Greek police have arrested four people and recovered more than €37,000 in cash and jewelry after swiftly solving a fraud case involving a scammer who allegedly posed as a tax official to deceive a woman into surrendering her valuables.
The incident took place on Monday afternoon in central Greece. According to police, an unknown man contacted a woman by telephone, falsely presenting himself as a tax office employee. Using fabricated claims, he allegedly convinced her to gather cash and valuable items from her home.
The woman followed the instructions and left the money and jewelry at a designated location near her residence. Shortly afterward, she realized she had been deceived and immediately alerted local police.
Suspects Tracked Within Hours
Officers launched an urgent investigation and quickly gathered information about the vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects. Police units in neighboring regions were also alerted after indications emerged that the group was traveling north.
Later that evening, the vehicle was located on the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway in the Pieria region. Officers stopped the car and detained its occupants.
Cash and Jewelry Recovered
The four suspects — three men aged 28, 22 and 42, and a 25-year-old woman — were formally arrested and transferred to the local police station handling the case.
During a search of the vehicle, officers seized €37,071.60 in cash and various pieces of gold jewelry. The recovered property was identified and returned to its lawful owner.
Police also confiscated six mobile phones, two additional pieces of jewelry whose origin is being investigated, and the vehicle allegedly used in the fraud.
Court Proceedings Scheduled
The suspects appeared before prosecutors on Tuesday and are scheduled to stand trial under expedited court procedures on May 28. Until then, they remain in police custody. Authorities continue investigating the case and examining whether the suspects may be linked to other fraud incidents.
