In an investigation into bank help desk fraud and money laundering, eight locations were searched in Meppel, Groningen, Rotterdam and Werkendam. The police seized more than 14,000 euros, more than 2,000 euros of fake money and a vehicle.
A loaded firearm and presumably various types of drugs were also found. A total of five suspects have been arrested. It concerns a 19-year-old man from Portugal, three 20-year-old men from Rotterdam, and a 21-year-old man from Groningen. The suspects have claimed victims across the country, according to police.
The five are suspected of involvement in bank help desk fraud. This means that they call people as an employee of a bank to steal money from them. They are also suspected of recruiting money mules. These people let their accounts be used to transfer or launder money from criminals to someone else.