The police revealed the data of a 30-year-old Bulgarian citizen: 29 episodes of fraud and extortion for €690 thousand.

The Piraeus First Instance Prosecutor’s Office has published the personal details and photographs of a 30-year-old Bulgarian citizen accused of participating in a series of frauds in Attica, Thessaloniki and Bulgaria. The publication was made as part of a criminal investigation and is intended, among other things, to identify possible victims.

According to the police, a criminal case has been opened against the man on charges of fraud committed jointly with other persons and repeatedly. The damage for the episodes included in the indictment exceeds €120 thousand, while the total illegal income that the investigation associates with the group is estimated at more than €690 thousand

How the scheme worked

According to the investigation materials, the accused, along with his accomplices, allegedly presented himself to citizens as a government employee or a person acting on behalf of the authorities. The victims were informed of an alleged threat to themselves or their loved ones.

The goal was to get people to immediately hand over cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Such schemes are based on panic: the person is not given time to call relatives, check information or contact the police. Everything must happen “urgently,” because scammers understand perfectly well: the longer a person thinks, the less likely he is to give money to a stranger.

Detention when receiving money

In one episode, a woman was ordered to put money and jewelry in a bag and leave it near the house. However, she reported to the police.

The suspect was detained upon receiving the package. The case was part of a wider investigation that police said revealed at least 29 counts of fraud and extortion.

Why were the photos published?

The publication of personal data and photographs of the accused was carried out by order of the Piraeus prosecutor’s office. This measure is used when authorities believe that it may help identify other victims, witnesses or additional episodes of criminal activity.

Publication does not mean an admission of guilt by the court. Only the court can make a final decision on the charges. However, citizens who may have encountered a similar scheme are asked to contact the police and provide available information.

What to do when receiving such calls

The police regularly remind that employees of government agencies, police, banks or hospitals do not require cash and jewelry to be transferred through strangers over the phone.

When reporting a relative allegedly in trouble, it is better to immediately stop the conversation, call the relative himself or his relatives and report the call to the police. The most useful thing in such situations is not heroism, but an extra thirty seconds of doubt. They usually cost less than a family savings package.

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