Police identify 74 of 100 suspects in fake cop, helpdesk scams

The police have identified 74 of the 100 suspects whose photos they released in an operation against fake cop scams and helpdesk fraud. 38 suspects have already been questioned. The rest will be questioned soon, or the investigation against them is still ongoing, the police said.

In early March, the police and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) launched an operation against fake police officers and bank helpline fraud. During this operation, they showed photos of 100 suspects, first blurred and then recognizable for the suspects who did not come forward within two weeks.

Of the 74 identified suspects, 34 turned themselves in to the police. The other 40 were identified through tips. Four suspects were arrested. According to the police, this happened if a suspect failed to appear for questioning or was under investigation for multiple crimes. The suspects’ ages range between 14 and 42 years old, with an average age of 22.

According to the police, an interrogation is already scheduled in “many cases” for the suspects who have not yet been questioned. In a few cases, detectives are conducting additional investigations. There are also some suspects whose identities are known, but not their whereabouts. “As soon as they come into contact with the police, they will be arrested,” the police said.

According to a police spokesperson, it is difficult to say why 26 suspects remain unidentified. It may be related to the quality of the photos, which is somewhat poor in some cases. “But 74 identifications is actually already a very large number. We are very pleased with that.” The unidentified suspects will remain on the police website for the time being.

The OM will determine on a case-by-case basis whether and in what manner prosecution will take place. “This is done carefully and therefore takes some time,” a spokesperson said.