“Hello! Can you help me? I come from Dubai and I am a successful businessman. I lost my credit card. Would you fill my tank or give me 100 euros? Then I will give you this golden ring.” This was how the conversation with these fraudsters began. The fraudsters approached their victims on the highway, at a gas station, or on the street. They promised the victims a golden piece of jewelry if they withdrew money for them or filled their tank. These pieces of jewelry turned out to be fake. TNO East Netherlands noticed that more and more reports from victims were coming in. An investigation was started. It became clear that the fraudsters used different cars. With the help of the police helicopter, one of the vehicles was located at a hotel in Nijkerk. At the scene, five other involved vehicles were also found. Two arrests were made: a 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, both from Romania. In addition, a large amount of fake gold and cash worth 3550 euros was seized.

Suspects also active in Central Netherlands
Further investigation revealed that these two suspects were also involved in the robbery of a gold chain from a 74-year-old woman in Harlingen. Therefore, TNO East Netherlands decided to collaborate with TNO Central Netherlands to start an investigation. Information emerged that a 38-year-old man and woman from Romania were involved in over twenty attempts at fraud. They were both arrested on Wednesday, July 23, in Lelystad. Here too, many fake jewelry and phones were seized.

Again, fake jewelry seized
Information also came in from Rotterdam that this gang was active there. In collaboration with TNO-Rotterdam, six vehicles were checked. Fake jewelry and Rolexes were also found in them. The goods were seized and a 28-year-old man was arrested.

Be careful!
If someone approaches you needing something and offering you gold jewelry, don’t fall for it! Don’t engage and report it to the police.

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