In a recent operation by the Criminal Investigation Unit of Ioannina, aided by the Kastoria branch, a man was arrested in Kastoria who is accused of being part of a criminal organization involved in fraud. This action was initiated following a report from an elderly woman who had fallen victim to a fraud scheme. On Monday afternoon, she reported that she had handed over 3,600 euros and valuable jewelry to an unknown man, who had contacted her posing as a doctor. He claimed that this payment was necessary to cover emergency surgery expenses for her daughter, who, he falsely stated, had been involved in an accident.

The scheme involved a series of high-pressure tactics to convince the elderly victim. Initially, the fraudster demanded 30,000 euros, and to further manipulate the situation, an unknown woman pretended to be the victim's daughter during the call, further urging her mother to comply with the request. Such methods highlight the concerning rise of organized fraud targeting vulnerable populations, especially the elderly, exploiting their fears and trust in authority figures.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime and protecting susceptible individuals from such scams. Investigations are likely to continue as authorities aim to dismantle the entire network of criminals involved, raising awareness among the public about these fraudulent tactics to prevent future occurrences.