Man questioned for allegedly defrauding 35 people seeking air conditioning units

Authorities in Belgrade have apprehended a 46-year-old man, identified as V.J., on suspicion of orchestrating a widespread fraud scheme. The First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade announced that the suspect allegedly deceived 35 individuals between April 2022 and May of this year, accumulating illicit gains of 2,205,010 Serbian dinars.

The alleged scam involved victims paying money for air conditioning units. These individuals transferred funds to accounts belonging to both the suspect's legal and physical entities, expecting delivery and installation. However, the suspect reportedly failed to provide the promised appliances and did not return the payments received.

During his interrogation, the suspect presented his defense. Following this, a proposal was submitted to a pre-trial judge at the First Basic Court in Belgrade to order his detention. This request stems from concerns about the suspect's potential flight risk, the possibility of him tampering with witnesses, or destroying crucial evidence. Authorities also cited the risk of him committing similar offenses in the near future.

The prosecutor's office stated that all necessary investigative actions will be undertaken to establish the facts of the case. A decision on the further course of legal proceedings will be made afterward. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has urged citizens who may have been victimized in similar schemes to contact them at 0668782265 or the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade via email.