It all started on the evening of November 19, 2025. An unknown woman, pretending to be a bank employee, called the victim to inform her that a large sum of money had been withdrawn from her account. The employee also asked if there was money and jewelry in the house. During the conversation, the bank employee said someone would come by to secure the belongings. The victim became suspicious and contacted the police. Shortly after, a girl actually came to collect the victims belongings. The officers present immediately arrested this suspect, a 14-year-old girl from Amsterdam. The police managed to arrest a second suspect, an 18-year-old boy from Amsterdam, the same day.
The investigation continued, and on Thursday, January 29, 2026, four more suspects were caught in the act. The arrest team was deployed. The suspects are a 28-year-old woman from Almere and three men aged 31, 31, and 32 from Amsterdam. The suspects are under all restrictions, meaning they may only contact their lawyer.
Beware of distraction scams!
Distraction scams are tricks criminals use to defraud people. The scammers often appear trustworthy. They call, come to the door, or approach people on the street with a convincing excuse. They then steal money and other valuable possessions. In some cases, this is combined with threats and/or violence. The scammers sometimes pretend to be meter readers, repairmen, or police officers. Or they say they are from the bank or home care. They also sometimes ask for a glass of water or a pen while an accomplice slips into the house.
After committing the crime, the suspects often leave the scene unnoticed and meet again later. Telephone contact between them is very important. The groups of suspects are not isolated but may be part of larger networks with multiple people. Members of these networks do not all have to know each other.
Note: If a (suspected) scammer has made an appointment to visit you, is at your door, or has just been at your home, call 112 immediately. Provide any known descriptions and vehicle information, such as license plates.