Warsaw police arrested two men, a 33-year-old Belarusian and a 48-year-old Ukrainian, for defrauding an 85-year-old woman of 21,500 zł.
Fraudulent Scheme Targets Elderly Woman
Two men have been arrested in Warsaw, suspected of defrauding an 85-year-old resident using the “police officer” scam method. The victim was tricked into handing over 21,500 zł.
The perpetrators initially contacted the woman posing as postal workers, then as police officers, manipulating her into believing her savings were at risk and needed immediate “protection” during a supposed police operation. They established a code word – “angel” – to be used by the individual collecting the money.
Arrests and Roles Identified
Following the report of the crime in mid-April, Warsaw Ursynów police launched an investigation, quickly identifying the two suspects: a 33-year-old citizen of Belarus and a 48-year-old citizen of Ukraine. Both were apprehended in Warsaw.
Investigators determined the Belarusian suspect acted as the “collector,” directly taking the money from the victim, while the Ukrainian suspect served as a “lookout,” monitoring the surroundings to ensure the operation’s security.
Legal Proceedings and Warnings
The Warsaw-Ursynów District Prosecutor’s Office has filed fraud charges against the suspects. Based on the prosecutor’s request, a court has ordered both men to be temporarily detained. They face up to eight years in prison if convicted.
Police are reminding the public to be cautious and emphasizing that law enforcement officials will never ask for money or request funds be “secured” in this manner. Individuals receiving suspicious calls should immediately end the conversation and contact the police at the emergency number 112.
