Phishers Impersonating Police Arrested in Multi-Million Euro Scam

****Summary:****

• Phishing Operation Dismantled: A joint effort by Belgian, Dutch authorities, and Europol dismantled a phishing gang that targeted victims in 10 European countries, causing millions in losses.

• Scam Tactics Used: The gang used online phishing, phone scams, impersonation of police and bank staff, and door-to-door fraud to steal financial data, primarily from elderly victims.

• Gang Activities Uncovered: Stolen funds were used for luxury items and lavish lifestyles, including expensive watches, jewellery, and extravagant parties.

• Investigation and Arrests: Investigations began in 2022 and led to the arrest of 8 suspects in 2023, along with the seizure of electronics, cash, luxury goods, and a firearm.

• Authorities’ Warning: Citizens are urged to avoid sharing financial information, stay alert against phishing attempts, and keep security software updated to prevent fraud.

A massive phishing operation that targeted victims across Europe has been dismantled, thanks to a joint effort by Belgian and Dutch authorities, with the support of Europol. The operation, which is believed to have caused economic damages of several million euros, involved a gang of scammers who used phone and online phishing tactics to target victims in at least 10 European countries.

The scammers, who were mostly based in the Netherlands, would pose as police or banking staff and approach older victims at their doors. The scammers used multiple tactics to target their victims including the following:

• Online financial data theft
• Phone phishing campaigns
• Impersonating police officers and bank staff
• Door-to-door fraud targeting elderly residents

Once they had obtained the information they needed, they would use it to drain their victims’ bank accounts and spend the money on luxury items, such as watches and jewellery, and lavish parties.

According to Eorupol’s press release, the operation to take down the gang was launched in 2022, when Belgian authorities began investigating the scam, with the support of Europol and Eurojust. As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that the main suspects were Dutch citizens, and the Dutch authorities launched their own investigation in 2023.

The operation ended with carrying out 17 searches in different locations in Belgium and the Netherlands and arresting 8 suspects. Authorities also seized a large number of electronic devices, luxury watches and jewellery, and cash, as well as a firearm.

The authorities are warning citizens to be attentive and don’t fall for messages or emails that claim to be from banks or other organizations and to never give out financial information or click on suspicious links. They are also reminding people to use antivirus software and to keep their security software and operating systems up to date.

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