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Police Bust Gang: 300,000 Euros Stolen with Bank Cards
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Crime & Justice

Police Bust Gang: 300,000 Euros Stolen with Bank Cards

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Police in Berlin and Brandenburg have targeted a 12-member alleged fraud ring.
  • The group is accused of stealing around 300,000 euros using stolen bank cards.
  • Authorities also suspect the group of drug trafficking, with a 32-year-old main suspect facing an arrest warrant.

German police have launched a major operation against a suspected fraud syndicate operating across Berlin and Brandenburg. The 12-member group is accused of amassing approximately 300,000 euros through illicit means, primarily by exploiting stolen bank cards.

The investigation, which involved searches of 15 residential buildings, has uncovered evidence of drug trafficking alongside the financial crimes. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the 32-year-old alleged ringleader, who is suspected of orchestrating the trade of cocaine from South America and heroin into and within Berlin.

Beyond drug operations, the main suspect is also believed to have employed associates within German postal services to intercept mail containing payment cards and their associated data. This stolen information was then allegedly used to reroute funds abroad, leading to the group's enrichment. While the primary suspect is in custody, the other eleven individuals involved have been released following the police actions.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.