19-year-old arrested in Pyrgos for fraud against elderly man – suspect falls into trap
A 19-year-old was arrested in Pyrgos after attempting to defraud a 73-year-old man, who feigned being convinced and alerted the police.
73-year-old "traps" fraudster in Pyrgos – arrest of 19-year-old gang member
A 19-year-old, believed to be a member of an organised gang of fraudsters, was arrested today in Pyrgos, Elis, after attempting to defraud a 73-year-old man. According to Dikastiko.gr, the victim reacted with composure and turned the situation against the perpetrator.
The fraud method
The 19-year-old, or an accomplice, telephoned the elderly man posing as a technician from DEDDIE. He informed him that there was an imminent fault in the network and urged him to remove any valuable items from his house so they would not be damaged.
The 73-year-old, instead of complying, played his own game. He pretended to be convinced by the "technician" and agreed to leave the "valuables" in a bag in his courtyard. As soon as he hung up the phone, he immediately called the police.
The arrest operation
The authorities responded without delay. The Pyrgos Prosecution and Crime Investigation Unit, the DIAS team and the Pyrgos Police Department were mobilised at the scene. Officers were positioned around the property, whilst a DIAS officer remained hidden in the courtyard.
When the young man entered the area to retrieve the bag, he was immediately handcuffed. He was then transferred to the Elis Police Directorate.
Case file and continuation of investigation
A case file was opened against the 19-year-old for fraud. The authorities' investigation continues with the aim of locating and identifying the other gang members involved in the case.
Source: Dikastiko.gr