In Strasbourg, two men were convicted on Wednesday evening of selling overpriced pseudo-medicines against an alleged bed bug plague. The two brothers took advantage of reports in France of bedbugs in schools, homes and trains.
First, they informed their victims that their apartment was allegedly infested with bed bugs. The two Frenchmen answered the phone on behalf of a pharmacy or a medical center and then came to the apartment. They offered disinfection with a spray or cream to combat the insects. The perpetrators demanded a maximum of 2,100 euros and claimed that the health insurer would reimburse the amount.
13,200 Euro ergaunert
In total, the brothers stole a total of 13,200 euros from their victims, who were between 77 and 93 years old. Last year there were numerous reports of bedbugs in schools, homes and trains in France, making headlines around the world (see video above). The New York Times even described the French as having a ‘collective paranoia’ – something the perpetrators took advantage of.
They were each sentenced to two years in prison in Strasbourg on Wednesday evening, one of which was conditional. In addition, they must each pay a fine of 5,000 euros. The defendants had now apologized in court for their actions.
Source: Krone
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