International fraud bust: 8 arrested in "grandchild scam” targeting seniors, including Poles

Eight suspects, including Polish nationals, were apprehended in an international fraud operation targeting elderly individuals through a "grandchild scam." The investigation covered multiple countries, including Germany, Poland, the UK, and Belgium.

International investigation into fraud targeting seniors has led to the arrest of eight individuals, including Poles.

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Fraudsters exploited the well-known "grandchild" scam, targeting carefully selected elderly individuals by calling them and pretending to be their relatives to persuade them to transfer large sums of money.

During an international operation conducted across several countries, including Germany, Poland, the UK, and Belgium, eight individuals were arrested, including Polish nationals.

According to Deutsche Welle, those arrested are gang leaders, from whom 17 people had previously been caught red-handed while collecting the fraudulent funds.

The unprecedented international cooperation was coordinated with the police in Warsaw, where Polish authorities had been investigating a series of reports regarding the defrauding of large amounts from seniors for over a year.

The arrested individuals will be processed by the judicial authorities in Poland, the UK, and Belgium.

Two Poles, aged 23 and 30, who are accused of causing damages amounting to several million euros, are set to be extradited to Germany by British authorities.

Source: DW/AFP

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