North Rhine‑Westphalia police raid fraud gang posing as officers

More than 300 police officers and specialist units in North Rhine‑Westphalia carried out a coordinated raid against a fraud gang that impersonated police officers and bank employees. Searches targeted apartments and commercial premises in Cologne, Aachen, Dormagen, Neuss, Viersen and other locations.

The operation, which began around 6 a.m., resulted in several arrests and is part of an investigation into an internationally active criminal network. Authorities estimate the gang’s thefts total at least €500,000. Details of further arrests and evidence collection are expected later in the day.