Greek authorities have dismantled a major fraud operation involving a man who posed as an Interpol police officer and government official, swindling victims out of nearly €500,000, according to police sources.

The suspect, a 47-year-old man who has now been arrested, allegedly presented himself as an Interpol officer and an employee of the Ministry of Finance. Claiming to have powerful connections, he approached potential victims by offering to act as a broker who could secure bank loans or fast-track the approval of investment projects.

After gaining their trust, he collected large sums of money and then disappeared. When victims threatened to contact the authorities, the suspect allegedly intimidated them, warning that he could get them into serious trouble with law enforcement.

Police say the man defrauded at least 27 individuals through this scheme. Investigators are also searching for seven additional people believed to have acted as accomplices in the operation.