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Portugal authorities dismantle multiple fraud and theft networks
Portuguese authorities have dismantled multiple criminal networks involved in various forms of fraud and theft. In ‘Operation ScamWay’, the Polícia Judiciária arrested seven individuals suspected of online fraud, money laundering, and criminal association. The group targeted victims through platforms like OLX and Marketplace, using MB WAY and ATM schemes to defraud over 20 people of approximately 80,000 euros.
Separately, the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is prosecuting two men for 35 counts of theft across the Aveiro and Viseu districts. These suspects targeted rural locations, including churches, chapels, and private residences, resulting in losses of approximately 88,000 euros. Authorities noted that their arrests led to an 81% reduction in property crimes in the affected areas.
In response to rising fraudulent activity, the Associação Portuguesa de Bancos (APB) has issued an alert regarding phone scams. Criminals are using ‘spoofing’ techniques to impersonate bank employees and the APB itself, claiming suspicious transactions to trick victims into revealing personal data or banking credentials. The APB emphasizes that it never contacts individuals to request security codes or personal information via telephone.
Entities
Associação Portuguesa de Bancos · Facebook Marketplace · Guarda Nacional Republicana · Minho · OLX · Polícia Judiciária · Portugal · Viana do Castelo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The network defrauded more than 20 victims of approximately 80,000 euros. tvi.iol.pt · www.radiocampanario.com · bragatv.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] Seven people, aged between 24 and 48, were detained. www.radiocampanario.com · bragatv.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] The seven detainees were released under terms of identity and residence. www.radiocampanario.com · bragatv.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Searches resulted in the seizure of documents, computer equipment, valuables, weapons, and ammunition. bragatv.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] The group used platforms like OLX and Marketplace to contact sellers. www.radiocampanario.com · bragatv.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspects used MB WAY and Multibanco for fraudulent transactions. www.radiocampanario.com · bragatv.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] The network employed money mules to receive stolen funds via bank accounts. www.radiocampanario.com · bragatv.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Polícia Judiciária dismantled a criminal network through Operation ScamWay. tvi.iol.pt · www.radiocampanario.com · bragatv.pt