At least twenty older men have been scammed and robbed in recent months by a gang that approached the victims via dating sites and apps. According to the police, the perpetrators stole a total of more than 350,000 euros in money and valuables such as jewelry and gold. The gang struck throughout the Netherlands. A man from Den Bosch also became a victim.
On Tuesday, the police in Utrecht arrested eight suspects in this case. “They deliberately targeted men in a higher age category and defiled a lot of money and other valuables from them in a reprehensible manner,” the police said.
The victims, men aged 75 and older, thought they had contacted a man or woman through various dating sites and apps. This person then pretended that he or she wanted to meet the later victim for a date, as the police explain the perpetrators’ actions. “They ask in advance whether the victim has valuables or money at home. They then try to meet at the victim’s home so that they can rob the house.”
According to the police, the perpetrators operate in a ‘very violent manner’. In this way they lure the victims from their homes, drug them and even chain them.
Even more victims
The eight arrested suspects are women and men. According to the police, they played different roles in the robberies. It is expected that more arrests will follow. The police also expect that the actual number of victims is much higher. This also applies to the amount captured.
According to the police, not every victim dares to come forward because they may feel ashamed. Or because they are in a vulnerable position. According to the national project leader for Seniors & Safety of the police, there is no need for that feeling of shame. “Because perpetrators operate in a sophisticated manner in this type of fraud,” he explains. He therefore calls on victims of theft and fraud to always report it.
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