Three criminal networks specializing in telephone scams and burglaries targeting elderly victims have been dismantled by officers from the Agrinio Criminal Investigation Unit. Four suspects were arrested, and the identities of 18 additional members were confirmed.
How the Scam Worked
The suspects posed as employees of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDHE) — commonly known as the national electricity provider — and contacted elderly individuals by phone from makeshift call centers operating out of private homes in Attica and Argolis. Using alarming pretexts — such as a supposed risk of explosion due to an electrical leak — they instilled fear and urgency, convincing victims to gather cash and valuables.
To appear more credible, the scammers conducted video calls via messaging apps, displaying the official DEDDHE logo. Once victims were on the line, so-called ‘collectors’ would immediately travel to their homes. There, two methods were employed:
- Victims were instructed to place money and jewelry in trays or wrap them in aluminum foil and leave them at external locations — where perpetrators retrieved them without entering the premises.
- If the victim was unable to leave the house, suspects entered under false pretenses. While one kept the elderly person occupied on the phone, others searched the home and stole cash or valuables.
After each crime, the suspects discarded mobile phones and SIM cards to hinder identification and investigation.
Evidence Seized
During searches of suspects’ residences, police recovered numerous mobile phones and SIM cards, portable computers, and USB storage devices.
Legal Proceedings
The four arrested individuals are expected to appear before the Public Prosecutor of the Misdemeanor Court of Aetolia-Acarnania.
Separate Case in Patras
In a related incident in Patras, three members of another group were arrested for a similar scam. Posing as DEH (now DEDDHE) staff, they used the same pretext — imminent fire risk due to electrical leakage — to defraud an elderly resident of over €16,000 and jewelry.