International gangs divert messages, fool companies. Three perpetrators were caught and convicted, but the mastermind behind the scam remains unknown to authorities.
This case clearly shows how difficult and especially lengthy the investigations into so-called cybercrime offenses are. Already in 2018, a company from Linz and a notary fell victim to e-mail scammers. “The perpetrators managed to intercept an e-mail. They then changed something small in the e-mail address – such as a letter – and thus diverted the e-mail traffic of the two victims,” explains Alexander Riedler of the State Criminal Investigation Department of Upper Austria out.
Perpetrator caught in Greece
The perpetrators arranged payments to different accounts. In 2021 the time had come, the executive managed to arrest a perpetrator (35) and his wife (30). Another accomplice initially fled, but was arrested in September 2022 in Thessaloniki (Greece). The trio eventually turned out to have committed 30 crimes, which has now resulted in prison sentences of between four years and 18 months for the suspects.
One question remained
A drop of bitterness remains for the researchers: the mastermind behind the scam is still unknown. “These are real professionals who cover their tracks well, running the money through numerous accounts or transferring it through cryptocurrency depots,” Riedler explains to the “Krone”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
