Three Bulgarian women arrested in Dubrovnik for tourist theft and fraud

Dubrovnik police have concluded a comprehensive investigation into three Bulgarian nationals, aged 23, 25, and 27, suspected of multiple theft and computer fraud offenses targeting both local and foreign tourists.

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In another case, the bank timely blocked a transaction attempt worth 13,340 euros, thereby preventing significantly greater financial damage.

According to police reports, the suspects allegedly exploited large tourist crowds in Dubrovnik's Old Town and surrounding areas during July. They are accused of stealthily stealing wallets containing cash, personal documents, and bank cards from unsuspecting passersby by reaching into closed backpacks and bags. The investigation covers seven theft incidents affecting individuals from Taiwan, Ukraine, Croatia, Australia, Japan, and India, with material damages estimated at €4,950.

Beyond physical theft, the police suspect the women used the stolen bank card information to conduct multiple unauthorized online transactions, committing computer fraud in three instances. These fraudulent activities, targeting citizens of Taiwan and Australia, resulted in an additional €9,241 being acquired by the suspects. In one case, a bank successfully blocked a transaction attempt worth €13,340, preventing a larger financial loss. The total estimated material damage amounts to €14,191.

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We suspect that after the thefts, the suspects used the data from the stolen bank cards to carry out multiple unauthorized online transactions.

Authorities have filed criminal charges against the three Bulgarian citizens and submitted them to the competent state attorney's office in Dubrovnik. The Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department has reiterated its call for increased caution among citizens and tourists, particularly in high-traffic locations. They advise securing bags and backpacks and immediately contacting banks to block any lost or stolen cards. Police highlighted that this investigation has shed light on most of the serious property crimes committed in Dubrovnik during June and July, following earlier resolutions of apartment break-ins and ATM skimming device installations.

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We advise citizens to keep backpacks and bags closed and under supervision and to immediately contact their bank to block it in case of loss or theft of a bank card.