Viennese police are currently warning of an unknown person squeezing victims’ tear ducts and stealing money – probably not an isolated case.
That fictional stories that sound particularly sad are often used by brazen fraudsters is known from painful experiences since the police or cousin trick. A stranger tried it in a very creative way on Mariahilfer Strasse on March 19. She told a tearful story to a Viennese woman. She still owes her trafficker money. Since the victim clearly has a big heart, he ran to the nearest bank branch and handed the alleged fugitive thousands of euros.
Well organized network
Now the police are looking for the lady, whose account could contain many more scams. There is growing evidence of a well-organized network of fraudsters, whose backers are likely based in the Balkans.
‘Gang knows everything about their victims’
Mehrdad B. was scammed in October 2023, he explains: “The gang knows everything about their victims, and the perpetrators are smart and well-equipped. The young women from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia and Albania are just small-time contract criminals who work for large gangs – usually under duress. “It’s about prostitution, commercial begging, drugs, robberies, cybercrime and of course fraud,” says the Viennese. Once the criminals are ‘successful’ they move on to the next target, regardless of whether they are at home or abroad.
Possible information (also anonymous) about the identity of the suspects: 0664/614 36 76.
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.
