Greek police have arrested two men accused of belonging to an organized group that posed as accountants to defraud elderly people in the southern Athens suburbs of Nea Smyrni and Palaio Faliro.
The suspects, aged 41 and 44, were arrested by officers from the Greek Police Special Operations Unit in Menidi and Ano Liosia, respectively. A criminal case was filed against them for participating in a criminal organization established to commit fraud, both completed and attempted, professionally and repeatedly.
Suspects allegedly posed as accountants
According to the police investigation, the group began operating in late March, primarily targeting elderly people who were walking in the area.
The 41-year-old suspect, who had a leadership role in the group, would approach potential victims and introduce himself as an accountant.
He would then tell them that they were entitled to a tax refund or retroactive pension payments, using the claim to gain their trust.
The suspect would subsequently ask victims for money, jewelry or other valuables, which he managed to obtain from them.
Five cases have been solved
Police have so far linked the group to five cases of fraud in Nea Smyrni and Palaio Faliro. The investigation into the full extent of the group’s activities remains ongoing.
The 44-year-old suspect is also said to have played an active role. According to investigators, he provided his car for the group’s transportation and for approaching potential victims.
Police seize phones and car
During searches of the two suspects’ homes, police found and seized three mobile phones as well as the car used by the group in its activities.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether the two suspects are connected to additional similar cases.
