Fake Police Officer Tracked Down and Arrested

Gebied: Rotterdam

The police have made one arrest in an ongoing investigation into fake police officers. The suspect is a 24-year-old man from Capelle aan den IJssel, arrested on October 29 on suspicion of theft, fraud, computer intrusion, and money laundering.

The 24-year-old suspect is linked to multiple criminal offenses across the Netherlands. After the arrest, searches were conducted at properties in Rotterdam South and Capelle aan den IJssel. Several items were seized. The suspect is in custody and will be presented today to the examining magistrate. This suspect is the seventh fake police officer arrested following an investigation into a group of fake officers who have victimized dozens across the country. Five suspects previously arrested remain in custody. Read here the reports about previous arrests from this investigation: Three fake police officers get caught out and More fake police officers arrested.

Modus operandi of fake police officers
Fake police officers use various methods. One method is to first call a victim. They often have personal information about people such as names and bank account numbers, which they use to gain trust. Then these criminals frighten people and often put them under pressure. For example, they may claim there has been a burglary in the neighborhood and that new burglaries are feared. They say a ‘police officer’ can secure their valuables. If the victim accepts this ‘offer’, someone immediately comes to the door who ‘identifies’ themselves with a fake police ID as a detective. Sometimes they wear something resembling a police uniform.

Report suspicious situations immediately
Be extra alert and report suspicious situations immediately. Please also share the following prevention tips with your parents, grandparents, or others you know may be vulnerable to these criminals.

Is it a fake police officer, or is it okay? Check via 112.
The police never call to ask for your PIN code or to find out if you have valuables at home.
The police do not come by to photograph valuables or collect bank cards, cash, or valuables.
The police must always show a valid police identification card. You can ask for it if someone comes to your door claiming to be police. The most important feature of the ID is the hologram. When you move the card, you see alternating the police logo or the word ‘politie’.
Phone – do you have a scammer on the phone? Do not give any information about PIN codes or valuables and then call 0900-8844.
Is someone at the door you don’t trust? Call 112 immediately. Then the police can catch the scammer red-handed.

Always report
Have you become a victim? You are not the only one. Always report it, even attempts by fake police officers. Keep the phone numbers the fake officers called you from and share these numbers with the police. The more information the police have, the faster these fake officers can be stopped.

National campaign
In early July, a national campaign started in cooperation with Omroep MAX to warn the elderly about fake police officers. We warn them with a national campaign for these scammers with our slogan: “Is it a fake police officer, or is it okay? Check via 112!”