Man gets community service for defrauding 10 victims of 68,000 euros

A 33-year-old man from Lommel, Belgium, has been sentenced to 160 hours of community service for defrauding ten victims across Belgium of approximately 68,000 euros. He will face a 20-month prison sentence if he fails to complete the work.

The man operated through Facebook dating apps, contacting his victims and fabricating elaborate stories to extract money. He often posed as a geologist or engineer, claiming he needed funds for a sick child or to unblock a frozen inheritance. He also created fake bank transfer confirmations to deceive his victims.

One victim lost 1,700 euros purchasing a laptop, while a couple was defrauded of 38,000 euros intended for a notary. The accused admitted to facing financial difficulties between 2021 and 2023, which led him to commit the offenses.

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The money came into the defendant's account, after which it was withdrawn or transferred to other accounts. Strikingly, we have come across even larger amounts from unidentified victims. The investigation led to ten victims and a loot of just over 68,000 euros.

Prosecutors described the man as a "money mule," explaining that funds were deposited into his account and then withdrawn or transferred elsewhere. The investigation uncovered amounts from additional unidentified victims, bringing the total to ten victims and over 68,000 euros in illicit gains.

The court in Hasselt imposed the 160-hour community service sentence, along with a 4,000 euro fine, of which 800 euros is effective. The judge noted the seriousness of the offenses, stating the man acted purely for personal gain without regard for the victims' consequences. The community service offers him a chance to contribute positively to society. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay a total of 47,873 euros in damages to three civil parties.

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The committed acts are serious. The defendant acted purely out of personal financial gain and did not consider the negative consequences for the victims. A community service order will give him the opportunity to make an active contribution and to give meaningful content to his punishment. In this way, the defendant can give something back to society free of charge for the damage he caused.