The two young men standing trial today in the Leeuwarden court are suspected of fraud by pretending to be police officers and using a con trick to persuade people to hand over their money and valuables. “This kind of ruthless, damaging, and disruptive behavior must be stopped, and severe penalties for the perpetrators are appropriate.”
By posing as (fake) officers, they gain the trust of often older and vulnerable individuals. The prosecutor: “The fraud is very well organized, with multiple suspects involved in the story presented to the victims. They are led astray in a very thorough manner. The entire setup is almost professional, and any potential suspicion is slyly suppressed, leading the victims, due to the smoke screen of potential burglary and damage, to relinquish their valuables.” The 20-year-old suspect has stated that he only acted as a driver and had no concrete role in the fraud. However, the file shows otherwise. “The group to which the suspect belongs is engaged in crimes with the same modus operandi. Within the group, there is a clear role for each individual suspect. There is a deliberate collaboration in committing the frauds.” The underage suspect who was heard behind closed doors this morning acted in the group as the officer who came to peoples doors. A youth detention of 240 days has been demanded against him, of which 210 days are conditional with a probation period of two years. Along with specific conditions as formulated by the Youth Protection Board. Additionally, a community service of 160 hours.
In a relatively short time, the suspects have caused significant financial damage. In total, more than 300,000 euros have been taken. Damage that victims often do not get reimbursed. They have indeed handed over their valuables, so the damage they have suffered generally does not fall under their (theft) insurance. The 14 cases listed in the indictment are likely just the tip of the iceberg. “Research shows that many more reports of attempts at fraud have emerged where these suspects also seem to have been involved, and many reports of similar cases continue to come in to the police and justice,” says the prosecutor during the hearing.
The trust that has been established is, in the opinion of the prosecutor, severely compromised by these suspects, leading to feelings of insecurity not only among the victims but also throughout society. This greatly affects the police, who find their work in terms of protection tasks severely complicated. People no longer dare to trust that they are genuinely being called by the police and that a real police officer is standing at their door.
The prosecutor believes that the suspects have acted in a highly disruptive manner to society and have contributed to feelings of insecurity. Furthermore, they have undermined the important and necessary position of the police.
In formulating the demand, the prosecutor takes into account the seriousness of the facts, the personal circumstances, and the attitude of the suspect (he seems to make pro-criminal choices driven by financial gain to meet the desired luxury lifestyle) and the impact this kind of fraud has on society. A prison sentence of 30 months is demanded, of which ten months are conditional with a probation period of three years.
The court will rule in two weeks.