Court to hear organized fraud case with 24 victims

A criminal case has been transferred to Kaunas Regional Court involving seven men accused of large-scale fraud and other crimes as part of an organized group, the Prosecutor’s Office reported.

The suspects, three of whom—identified as A. N., Ž. P., and H. N.—were serving sentences in Pravieniškės Prison, allegedly coordinated a series of frauds targeting individuals outside the prison. They are accused of recruiting four additional members, with all seven assigning roles within the group.

Using illegally obtained mobile phones, the group posted fraudulent advertisements for wood chip briquettes, rental apartments, driver’s license issuance, and job offers. They then contacted victims, deceived them into transferring money, or disclosed bank account or electronic banking login details.

Some members posed as bank employees, falsely informing victims of unauthorized financial transactions in their accounts. This allowed them to obtain electronic banking credentials, access accounts without permission, and transfer funds to accounts controlled by others.

The group also sought individuals willing to allow their bank accounts to be used for transferring fraudulently obtained money. These funds were later withdrawn or moved to other accounts specified by the group.

Investigators identified 24 victims, with a total of 21,598 euros stolen. The suspects face charges including large-scale fraud, unauthorized use of electronic payment data, unauthorized access to information systems, and production of counterfeit electronic payment tools. If convicted, they could face up to eight years in prison.