Croatian police bust fraud and forced‑theft schemes targeting senior citizens

Zagreb police uncovered a fraud operation in which a 44‑year‑old man, aided by an unidentified female accomplice, deceived three women aged 79 to 90 and stole around €120,000 through false bank calls. The perpetrators posed as bank staff and security guards, convincing the victims to hand over cash, including €109,000 from one woman and $10,000 in a later incident. The suspect, recently released from prison, was arrested and transferred to a detention facility.

In a separate investigation, Zagreb police also dismantled a human‑trafficking ring that forced a 43‑year‑old man into repeated thefts across Zagreb, Karlovac, Poreč, Pula and Bjelovar. The 35‑year‑old woman and 36‑year‑old man exploited the victim's mental health, confined him in unsanitary conditions, and compelled him to steal merchandise and obtain bank loans, which they kept for themselves. The scheme was halted after the victim was caught attempting a theft in Bjelovar; the perpetrators were arrested and placed under custody.

Both cases highlight a rise in crimes that target vulnerable and elderly individuals, prompting police warnings to the public to avoid responding to unsolicited calls from purported officials and to report suspicious activity immediately.