A criminal group, whose members were systematically engaged in Internet fraud, acceptance and distribution of criminal products, was liquidated from the Department of Criminal Prosecution for Electronic Crimes.

The operation to stop their illegal activities took place after a case of computer-assisted fraud on Friday, April 6, 2023, at the expense of a resident of a large area of ​​Kavala, whose debit card was used for purchases in a store. in Attica.

In this regard, in the morning hours of Saturday, April 7, 2023, police officers of the Electronic Crimes Prosecution Department, with the assistance of police officers from the Attica Police Operational Directorate (DAEA) and OPKE, found them within the autoforo, and in the wider area of ​​Acharnon three members of the gang were arrested.

A criminal case has been initiated against them, as well as against three other persons whose details have been established, on the facts of fraud, computer fraud, illegal acquisition of intangible means of payment, acceptance and disposal of illegally acquired intangible means of payment, acceptance and disposal of criminal proceeds, money laundering and gun laws.

In particular, as a result of a thorough police and digital investigation, members of the criminal group, acting jointly or individually, committed at least 14 cases of computer fraud in the period from January 28, 2023 to April 6, 2023, with illegal financial benefits received from them in in the amount of 60,000 euros.

As regards their modus operandi:

• They called businesses, shops, freelancers, and individuals, where they posed as either accountants, government employees, or interested ad buyers with the purported purpose of paying off a debt, paying a benefit, or sending an advance on a purchase.
• They gained access to their bank account after first convincing them to enter their login credentials through manipulative methods or via phishing links sent to them via email or sms that lead to fraudulent banking websites.
• They activated their debit cards in physical form in the digital wallets (electronic wallets) of their mobile phones, with which they then made purchases through contactless transactions in stores selling technology products, in particular high-value mobile phones, and increased their demand.
• They resold the above-mentioned devices to mobile phone shops in the Acharni district, owned by two members of the criminal group, who then sold them at particularly attractive prices.

During searches conducted in two houses and two stores selling mobile phone products in Acharnes, the following were discovered and seized:

• 9 sealed mobile devices of great value,
• 2 TVs (SmartTV) obtained as a result of the said criminal activity,
• 14 mobile phones, laptop and 2 tablets,
• shotgun, 25 rounds and a knife with a blade length of 21 cm,
• image capture system,
• 1850 euros,
• 147 sealed mobile operator connection packages activated for foreign citizens (ghost numbers) and
• the number of documents related to criminal activity.

The confiscated digital credentials, weapons, and amount of money will be duly sent.

The detainees, against whom a criminal case has been initiated, have been brought to the competent prosecutor’s office, and investigative actions to establish all the activities of this criminal group are continuing.