The man is suspected of leading a criminal organization and was arrested on November 21, 2024, at Barcelona airport, with assistance from Spanish authorities. The woman was previously arrested on November 11, 2024, in Amsterdam.

The investigation started after an attempted fraud by fake police officers in Harderwijk on August 20, 2024. Through quick investigations by the local detectives, the police traced a call center in Amsterdam by August 26, from which calls were made to potential victims. At the same time, the real police intervened at an address in Velp (Gld), where fake officers struck, allegedly under direction from Amsterdam. Based on the findings and further investigations, the two suspects were arrested.

Significant Increase

The number of incidents involving fake police officers grew significantly in 2024. In total, the police registered 8329 incidents involving these fake officers. That is about fifteen times as many as in all of 2023. A total of 357 suspects were arrested last year.

The fake police officers operate in an organized manner and use sophisticated tricks. They call older victims and impersonate police officers. For example, they warn that there is a threat of a home burglary or robbery because burglars have allegedly been arrested nearby. Supposedly, an address book or a piece of paper was found with the address of the potential victim.

Runner Boys

Then, the fake officer offers to temporarily secure valuable items. Runner boys, often young adults and even minors aged 14 or 15, come to collect these items. Sometimes they also try to obtain the bank card and PIN.

While runner boys are regularly arrested by the police, this investigation succeeded in uncovering the network behind it. The arrested woman has been released and is no longer in custody. The suspect arrested in Barcelona is still in custody. His first preliminary hearing was held in early March.