Prague police seek fraudster who stole 4.8 million CZK in gold from seniors

An unidentified man defrauded two elderly residents, aged 88 and 89, of gold bars valued at approximately 4.8 million CZK in Prague 3. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 2, in Sudoměřská Street.

The perpetrator contacted the seniors by phone, posing as their nephew. He claimed his son had been involved in a fatal traffic accident and required immediate funds for bail. When the victims stated they did not have sufficient cash, the man convinced them to provide investment gold instead. Following his instructions, the 88-year-old man placed 2.9 kilograms of gold bars into a grey shopping bag and handed it to a man acting as a courier outside their home.

Police have released a description of the suspect, noting he is approximately 50 years old, roughly 160 cm tall, has a heavy build, and a dark complexion. Surveillance footage captured the exchange, though the man's face is not clearly visible. The stolen gold bars have been cut into smaller pieces, roughly 30 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, likely to facilitate resale on the black market. Authorities are asking jewelers, gold dealers, and pawnshops to report any sightings of such items and are requesting dashcam footage from drivers in the area around 20:00.