Fraud gang posed as DEDDIE employees — €80,000 stolen, three arrested
Three gang members, aged 27, 20 and 19, were arrested in Attica whilst posing as DEDDIE employees and obtaining more than €80,000 from victims.
Arrests in Attica for fraud using DEDDIE as pretext
Three individuals aged 27, 20 and 19 were arrested on the evening of 14 September in an area of Attica, accused of being members of a criminal organisation that carried out fraud by impersonating DEDDIE employees. According to Newsit.gr, the illegal proceeds of the gang exceeded €80,000.
The Hellenic Police announced the details of the operation on Tuesday, 15 September. The three accused — who took on the role of "collectors" — were arrested whilst attempting to remove jewellery worth approximately €15,000 from a victim's home.
How the fraud operated
The gang's methodology followed a consistent modus operandi. "Callers" would contact potential victims daily, obtaining details randomly from telephone directories. They presented themselves as DEDDIE personnel and cited pretexts such as alleged electricity leaks, persuading victims to gather cash and valuables and place them in an accessible location inside or outside their homes.
Subsequently, the "collectors" would go to the location and collect the money and jewellery, claiming a need to "count or evaluate them".
Structure of the organisation
The criminal structure comprised three levels: management officials, "callers" and "collectors". A fourth accused, who remains at large, had made his vehicle available to the "collectors" for their movements.
From the preliminary investigation, involvement of the three arrested individuals emerged in at least four additional cases following the same pattern. During searches, items related to the offences were found and seized, though the Hellenic Police provided no detailed inventory.
The arrested individuals were brought before the competent prosecutorial authority. Investigation into their possible involvement in further criminal offences continues.
Source: Newsit.gr