Fraudulent "accountants" arrested in Karpenissi by off-duty police officer
Two men fell into a trap set by a police officer in Karpenissi, Evrytania, after attempting to defraud him using the classic "accountant" scam technique.
Off-duty police officer sets trap for fraudsters in Karpenissi
Two men were arrested in the morning in Karpenissi, Evrytania, after attempting to obtain money and valuables from a police officer who was off duty, using the well-known pretext of an "accountant", according to Dikastiko.gr.
The incident began with a telephone call from an unknown perpetrator, who presented himself as an accountant. He claimed that cash and jewellery needed to be registered in order to avoid the imposition of a fine, and asked the police officer to hand over money and valuables.
The police officer immediately recognised the attempted fraud and notified his service. Police officers from the Department for the Prosecution and Investigation of Crimes in Karpenissi were mobilised, and they placed the apartment building in which the police officer lives under surveillance.
A short time later, two men arrived at the location by car. One was directed to the building to collect a bag containing items that resembled jewellery — police officers immobilised him on the spot. The man's accomplice, who was waiting for him in the car as a driver, was subsequently arrested.
During the inspection of the driver, it was established that he did not hold a driving licence, as it had been withdrawn in the past due to driving under the influence of alcohol, in violation of the Road Traffic Code.
What was seized
The police seized:
- Two mobile telephones
- 196.50 euros in cash
- The motor vehicle that was used to facilitate the unlawful activity
Additionally, inside the vehicle, hidden beneath the carpet behind the front passenger seat, two gold jewellery items were found: a cat-shaped brooch and a pendant with chain depicting the ancient Athenian owl. The origin and manner of acquisition of these jewellery items are under investigation, according to a police announcement.
Cases were filed against the two men for fraud carried out in complicity. They were referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office of the First Instance Court of Evrytania and remanded to appear before the Investigating Authorities.
Source: Dikastiko.gr