Arta: Fraudsters steal 200,000 euros in jewelry from elderly woman

Police in Arta have launched a criminal fraud investigation after an elderly woman was targeted in a sophisticated scam on September 17, 2026. An unknown perpetrator contacted the victim while impersonating an employee of the electricity distribution company, DEDDIE.

The scammer falsely claimed there was a risk of fire at the woman's home due to a short circuit. Under this pretext, the perpetrator convinced her to gather her cash and gold jewelry, instructing her to leave the items in an external location outside her home for safekeeping. Accomplices then stole the items, which included 760 euros in cash and gold jewelry valued at over 200,000 euros.

Authorities have identified one local man involved in the case, and the investigation is ongoing to locate the remaining members of the gang. Police have also identified and seized a vehicle used by the suspects, which was located in the Aetolia-Acarnania region.