Elderly woman defrauded of 20,000 euros in jewelry by phone scammer in Chios

An elderly woman on the Greek island of Chios fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam, losing a significant amount of money and valuables. The deception began when a man and a woman called the victim, impersonating a doctor and her daughter.

Under the guise of an urgent surgical operation, they convinced the woman to hand over 4,000 euros in cash and jewelry estimated at 20,000 euros to a 46-year-old man who arrived at her home shortly after. The man was later apprehended by police at Chios airport as he attempted to leave the island.

During a police search, 3,800 euros and jewelry were found in the suspect's possession. Investigations revealed that the arrested man had recently joined a criminal gang of at least three other individuals. This group, operating with a clear structure and defined roles, specialized in defrauding citizens, particularly the elderly, by posing as doctors or relatives.

The victim has since had all her jewelry and the recovered cash returned to her. The investigation into the criminal network is ongoing, being conducted by the Directorate for the Prosecution and Investigation of Crimes in Chios.

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The 46-year-old arrested suspect had recently joined a criminal group, consisting of at least three other individuals, with a specific structure, continuous action, and distinct roles, exclusively to defraud citizens and steal from them.