By Anne Losensky
A man from Neukölln is said to have stolen 1.4 million euros from old people with a gang in 14 months. Although he and his cronies brought misfortune to hundreds of people, he should now be jailed for a maximum of 5 years if he confesses.
District Court, Room 806. Charged with gang fraud: David M., arrested May 15, 2022.
According to the indictment, the man from Neukölln committed his crimes until shortly before his 21st birthday. This has the advantage for him that he can now enjoy the mild juvenile criminal law (motto: education instead of punishment).
Between August 4, 2020 and October 4, 2021 he is said to have worked for a gang operating from Turkey. That should have been his phone job: persuading people to voluntarily give up their money and valuables.
As an actor, David M. is said to have been a grenade in the prime role of “Inspector Dietrich from the Robbery Department”. The seniors became involved in lengthy conversations. The wrong commissioner scared and put pressure on. Anyone who had property in the apartment should immediately hand it over to the “police” to save it from “robbers” who were said to be at the door. Those who had assets in the bank were supposed to withdraw them to protect them from “corrupt bank employees”.
The role-playing games on the phone often lasted for several days, according to the indictment, and terrified people. Many put their savings in bags in front of the door. Hanging them in bags on the garden fence outside. Deposited it in garbage bags in wastebaskets in the park. Silverware, family jewelry, gold bars, coins, cash packages (once more than 400,000 euros).
93 individual cases are accused, the victims live all over Germany. The loot was picked up by couriers and is said to have been flown to Turkey, where the backers are said to be based.
The fake detective has until October 27th to consider making a confession. Until then, the judge’s offer to let him get away with a maximum of five years in prison is valid. Then the process continues.
Judgment on November 21st.