Ierapetra police arrest man in 140,000 euro elderly fraud ring

Police in Ierapetra have dismantled a criminal gang responsible for a series of phone scams targeting elderly citizens. The investigation, conducted by the Ierapetra Crime Investigation Department, uncovered six cases of fraud occurring between May 1 and October 8, 2026.

The perpetrators used various impersonation tactics to defraud victims. In some instances, they posed as doctors informing victims of serious traffic accidents involving relatives to solicit money. In others, they used intimidation by threatening the lives of victims or their families, subsequently posing as police officers offering protection in exchange for funds.

The group successfully extorted a total of 69,850 euros in cash and jewelry valued at 70,550 euros. Five of the incidents took place in Lasithi, while one occurred in Boeotia. A 60-year-old man, identified as the group’s ‘collector,’ was arrested in the Ierapetra municipality. During a search of his home, authorities seized 1,675 euros, jewelry, and a mobile phone.