Latvian Man Arrested in Tallinn for €30,000 Cash‑Flow Scam

Police in Estonia's northern prefecture detained a 37‑year‑old Latvian citizen in Tallinn on 27 July, suspecting him of operating a cash‑flow fraud scheme. The suspect allegedly visited victims' homes across several counties, convincing them that their phones were infected and that they should provide PIN codes. Using the victims' bank cards, he opened loans and transferred money, stealing at least €36,000 in five incidents, primarily from elderly victims.

During the arrest, officers found roughly €3,000 in cash, 41 foreign bank cards, three identity documents and a residence permit in the suspect's possession. He had arrived in Tallinn by bus from Haapsalu before being apprehended. The investigation, led by Northern Prefecture criminal bureau chief Valmar Viitak and prosecutor Marko Moora, is contacting all individuals whose cards were found and continues to probe similar complaints reported from other regions.