The Vilnius Police Headquarters' Criminal Investigation Unit is conducting a pre-trial investigation into a large-scale fraud scheme that has reportedly defrauded residents out of significant amounts of money. The case came to light on February 12 when police received a report from a local resident who believed she had fallen victim to fraud. The scammers created a convincing narrative involving a supposed corrupt bank employee, asking the victim to assist with an ongoing investigation.

The victim received a call from a Russian-speaking man who posed as a police officer, warning her that she could only keep €1,000 in cash at home; otherwise, police would conduct a search. Believing the fabricated story, the victim handed over more than €20,000 to an associate posing as a courier. This incident underscores the cunning methods employed by scammers to commit fraud and the increasing sophistication of such operations targeting unsuspecting individuals in Lithuania.

Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the fraud but cautioned residents against becoming complacent. They emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness regarding such scams, as they continue to pose a threat to community safety. The police are urging citizens to be cautious and verify the identity of callers who request sensitive information or money, as these fraud schemes are alarmingly prevalent and can have devastating financial impacts on victims.