Police in Belgium and the Netherlands have arrested eight suspects involved in a large telephone fraud operation. The criminals used phishing links in emails, instant messenger messages, and SMS to lure victims to fake banking sites, where they entered their personal information. They then called the victims pretending to be bank employees or members of the fraud team, convincing them to provide assistance. As a result, the criminals were able to drain millions of euros from the victims’ bank accounts.
The fraudsters rented elite apartments to use as call centers and targeted elderly people, sometimes even visiting them at home. While most of the crimes occurred in Belgium, the main organizers were based in the Netherlands. The stolen money was used to purchase luxury items, jewelry, and to fund parties at elite clubs. The criminals flaunted their “successful” lifestyle on social media, sometimes posting photos with famous personalities to boost their status. They even boasted about deceiving elderly people and used psychological manipulation tactics to exploit their victims.
Police in Rotterdam seized luxury goods from various high-end brands as part of the operation. Residents from at least 10 European countries were affected by the fraud scheme, resulting in several million euros in damages. The authorities also confiscated cash, electronic devices, and firearms during the arrests.
The investigation into the fraud scheme began in Belgium in 2022 and expanded to involve Dutch investigators when it was discovered that the main suspects were Dutch citizens. Europol and Eurojust assisted in coordinating the efforts of the police from both countries and provided analytical support throughout the investigation.
To prevent falling victim to similar scams, citizens are advised to be cautious of messages asking for urgent updates to bank account information or notifications about blocked accounts. It is essential to verify URL addresses, which should begin with “https://,” and to use antivirus software, keep devices updated, and use complex passwords. It is crucial never to click on suspicious links or provide financial information to unknown individuals.