Police arrest two fake officers who scammed elderly victims in Turnhout

Turnhout police have apprehended two individuals who impersonated officers to swindle elderly residents out of their money and possessions. The scammers targeted victims by phone, fabricating a story about an impending burglary at their homes.

According to Commissioner Benjamin Freriks, the suspects convinced their elderly victims to hand over cash, jewelry, and bank cards with PINs, exploiting the trust placed in law enforcement. The investigation quickly identified a suspicious vehicle using the ANPR camera network, enabling intervention teams to intercept it in Turnhout.

During the vehicle stop, officers discovered drugs, a significant amount of cash, and other items potentially linked to the crimes. The arrested suspects are a 24-year-old man from the Netherlands and a 16-year-old from Antwerp. The Dutch national has been brought before an investigating judge and detained, with a decision on his continued detention pending. The minor has been placed in a youth institution.

Police are urging residents to remain vigilant against individuals posing as police officers, bank employees, or government officials. Freriks emphasized that scammers deliberately exploit public trust and reiterated that police will never request or collect money, jewelry, bank cards, or PINs. Anyone receiving such a call is advised to immediately hang up and contact the police.