Police dismantle phone scam ring, victims lose €200,000

Police have dismantled a phone scam ring that targeted Lithuanian speakers, resulting in losses of at least €200,000 for eight victims.

The premeditated fraud was carried out by a group of people who posed as bank employees or police officers. They contacted victims in Russian, falsely claiming to be investigating fraud and convincing them to hand over cash or valuables for “safekeeping.” Some victims were threatened with searches or investigations into undeclared assets, leading them to disclose and surrender their property.

Investigators identified at least eight victims and arrested two couriers responsible for collecting the money. Both suspects are Latvian citizens and have been remanded in custody for up to three months.

The total financial damage is estimated at €200,000, though it may be higher. Police warn that scammers continuously adapt their methods, increasingly using new technologies, digital tools, and artificial intelligence. They urge the public not to share personal, financial, or information about cash at home with unknown callers. Officials never request such details over the phone.

If suspicious of a call, police recommend ending the conversation immediately and reporting the incident.