Greece police dismantle criminal groups posing as accountants to defraud elderly

Greek authorities have dismantled criminal organizations operating under the guise of accountants to defraud elderly citizens. In one operation in the Nea Smyrni and Palaio Faliro areas, police arrested two individuals, aged 41 and 44, from Acharnes and Ano Liosia. The 41-year-old leader allegedly targeted pedestrians, posing as an accountant to convince them to hand over money or valuables under the pretext of securing tax refunds or retroactive pensions. Investigators have identified at least five instances of fraud linked to this group.

In a separate incident in Agrinio, an off-duty police officer intervened after spotting suspicious behavior from individuals on a motorcycle. The intervention led to the arrest of one member of a fraudulent duo who had just extorted 5,000 euros and jewelry valued at approximately 25,000 euros from an 80-year-old man. The perpetrator had convinced the victim to leave the cash and valuables in his courtyard before arriving to collect them. The arrested individual faces charges including criminal organization, fraud, and violence against officials.