Criminal networks using social media behind Swiss gun shop heists and fake police scams

Switzerland is grappling with an escalating wave of sophisticated crimes, including armed robberies of gun shops and elaborate "fake police" scams, largely attributed to criminal networks originating from France. Federal police (Fedpol) have recorded 35 armed robberies of gun shops this year alone, with 22 attempts, a significant increase attributed to the "crime-as-a-service" (CaaS) model.

This CaaS model involves outsourcing criminal activities to minors and young adults recruited through social media platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok. The modus operandi has also extended to the theft of luxury vehicles from dealerships and private garages. In one instance in Sion, a gun shop was targeted with a stolen vehicle used as a battering ram, following a previous similar incident.

Fedpol estimates that between 300 and 350 cases in Switzerland this year can be linked to the CaaS phenomenon. Beyond armed robberies, the "fake police" scam is also on the rise. Cantonal police in Geneva have reported approximately 400 such cases this year, with over 5,000 cases recorded across French-speaking cantons since 2022, resulting in over 18 million Swiss francs in damages.

The article highlights the growing concern among Swiss authorities regarding these cross-border criminal operations and their reliance on exploiting young individuals through digital channels. The methods employed demonstrate a high degree of organization and adaptability by these criminal groups.