They were supposed to scam seniors, but a determined woman from Styria became skeptical and alerted the police. Now two fake police officers in Graz have been convicted.
According to lawyer Elke Weidinger, the two young men who are in the dock in Graz on Tuesday are only accomplices. But not just any accomplices, but those of a huge criminal organization – led by the Hells Angels, prosecutor Alexandra Ibler emphasizes.
“There are professional, cross-border structures behind the perpetrators here,” the prosecutor explains. “Turkey-based administrations pretend on the phone that they want to protect their victims from robberies and protect their assets.” The defendants from Munich were recruited to act as plainclothes agents to collect the loot in Graz.
“Seen too many crime series”
The victim wanted to withdraw 90,000 euros from the bank. “They really asked questions like real police. Maybe I’ve watched too many crime dramas,” smiles the determined lady. Fortunately, the Styrian woman became skeptical and called in the real police. The 22-year-old first defendant and his driver (24) were arrested during the fictitious money transfer.
‘I didn’t know we had to trick old people’
“I’m glad nothing happened to you,” the younger man apologized to the older woman. His accomplice also asked for forgiveness “from the bottom of his heart. We were manipulated.” They were lured with quick money. ‘Five percent of the loot. But we didn’t know that we had to deceive old people.”
Your fear of revenge from the bosses is now great. The first defendant also does not want to mention names. “They don’t shy away from anything. They will find you.’
The jury (chaired by Andreas Rom) sentenced the 22-year-old to two years in prison due to his previous convictions. His friend gets away with 18 months of partial disability. Because he has been in pre-trial detention for eight months, he can go home. The Public Prosecution Service has not made a statement and the judgments are therefore not legally binding.
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.
