Court examines organised phone scam case after group defrauds nearly €20,000 from residents

A criminal case is underway in Šiauliai District Court against members of an organised group accused of systematically defrauding residents across Lithuanian cities out of nearly €20,000 through phone scams, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported on Thursday.

According to pre-trial investigation data, the group operated with clearly assigned roles. An unidentified organiser coordinated the scheme, prepared the plan, and made calls to residents while impersonating law enforcement officials, prosecutors, or representatives of the State Tax Inspectorate, the Prosecutor General’s Office stated.

Victims were falsely accused of holding counterfeit euro banknotes and pressured to hand over their cash for “verification.” Once victims complied, the suspect or other group members—posing as officials—would arrive at their homes to collect the money.

The group successfully defrauded eight individuals, obtaining a total of €19,860. Two other potential victims recognised the scam and avoided losses. In one instance, the suspect not only took cash but also seized a victim’s bank card and login credentials, though attempts to access the account and withdraw funds failed.

The defendant faces charges including fraud, attempted fraud, unauthorised use of payment instruments, and other crimes committed as part of an organised group.

Investigators noted that some offences were carried out alongside other group members who have already received indictments in separate proceedings.