A gang allegedly defrauded people across Cyprus of thousands of euros by sending fraudulent text messages designed to steal their banking details. The perpetrators posed as representatives of the General Healthcare System (GeSY) or services handling traffic fine payments.
The messages appeared to come from “CY MEDICAL” and “traffic CY,” urging recipients to update their details or pay fines. Those who entered their card details in the reported cases later discovered that money had been withdrawn from their accounts.
So far, three complaints have been filed in Larnaca and two more in Nicosia and Limassol. In three cases, the amounts stolen were €3,963, €770 and €2,390.
Three mobile phones, expensive lighters and cigars worth more than €50,000 were found in the 24-year-old suspect’s possession.
A 24-year-old Pakistani national residing in Nicosia was arrested in connection with the case after police found that the complainants’ card details had been entered into a mobile digital wallet allegedly linked to him. He was arrested at Larnaca Airport before departing Cyprus.
Police seized three mobile phones, expensive lighters and cigars worth more than €50,000 from the suspect. Investigators are examining whether the items were purchased using stolen cards and whether money laundering was involved. The suspect claimed he intended to resell the cigars in Dubai.
Police are seeking another person in connection with the withdrawals. Larnaca District Court ordered the suspect detained for eight days, while investigators are examining a possible link to another suspect previously arrested in Nicosia.
Source: Fileleftheros
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