‘Elderly people were not only robbed of money and jewelry, but also of their trust in the police and fellow human beings.’ Between April and August 2024, several elderly individuals across the country fell victim to fraud. Three men allegedly posed as police officers to make away with valuables. Today, they appeared before the judge. The Public Prosecution Service demanded prison sentences of up to 50 months against the men.
In 2024, the police and the Public Prosecution Service observed a worrying increase in fraudsters posing as police officers. The method was always the same: elderly individuals receive a call from a so-called police officer, warning them that their money and jewelry might be in danger. Subsequently, someone comes by to collect the valuable possessions. The victims are defrauded and do not see their valuables again.
Jointly
The police initiated an investigation following the incidents. This involved a 24-year-old man from Helmond, a 25-year-old man from Eindhoven, and an 18-year-old man from Veghel. Evidence, including multiple SIM cards and phones, the mast data from these phones and those of the suspects, camera footage, chat conversations, and the statement of one of the suspects, shows that each had their own role in the fraud. In all cases, the fraud was committed jointly.
Abuse of Trust
The prosecutor stated: ‘Frauds like these hit victims very close to home. The victims are at home, in their own trusted environment, when they receive a call from someone pretending to be the police. The fraud can be compared to a burglary or breaking and entering. Instead of a crowbar, the fraudster uses a phone. Instead of physically entering, they come in through the victims trust. By abusing this, they are handed the money and jewelry on a silver platter.’
Prison and Community Service Sentences
Taking into account the seriousness of the offense and all facts and circumstances, the Public Prosecution Service demands prison sentences of 50 months and 20 months against the 25-year-old and 24-year-old men. Against the 18-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands a community service sentence of 180 hours. If the suspect does not comply, he must serve 90 days of juvenile detention, according to the Public Prosecution Service. He must also be treated, in the opinion of the Public Prosecution Service. The judge will rule on May 9.