Chase in Atalanti: Member of telephone fraud ring arrested
A foot chase and pursuit on the A.1 motorway for two "debt collectors" from a fraud ring posing as accountants. One was arrested, his accomplice is being sought.
Foot arrest and escape on national highway for telephone fraud ring
Two "debt collectors" from a telephone fraud ring caused dramatic scenes in Atalanti on Monday afternoon, 14 September. According to Ta Nea, the two men attempted to operate in the wider Lokris area, posing as "accountants" to extract money from unsuspecting citizens.
The immediate mobilisation of police from the local department, as well as forces from the wider area, thwarted their plans before the perpetrators could secure any amount of money.
When police officers spotted one of the suspects — a Greek national aged approximately 25 to 30 years — he attempted to flee by running through the urban area. A foot chase followed on Martiou 25th Street, in front of shocked pedestrians and business owners, with two police officers pursuing him at close range. The pursuit continued on Aiantos Lokrou Street, where the officers managed within minutes to corner him, immobilise him, and handcuff him.
In parallel, a second chase was underway for his accomplice, who was driving another vehicle. Patrol cars pursued him from Atalanti towards the service road and then onto the A.1 motorway, where the driver developed excessive speed and performed dangerous manoeuvres. An immediate signal was given to set up a roadblock at the toll booths heading towards Boeotia; however, the driver exploited a side provincial road before the checkpoint and managed to escape.
The arrested man is being held and questioned at Lokris Police Department. The authorities are investigating whether the two men were involved in previous fraud cases in Phthiotis and Central Greece, whilst investigations to locate the accomplice are ongoing.
Source: Ta Nea