Finnish Police Unravel “Exceptionally Complex” Phishing Scam Netting 375,000 Euros

Arrest of Over 40 Individuals Suspected of Orchestrating Elaborate Phishing Operation

Helsinki, Finland - Finland’s National Police have arrested over 40 individuals suspected of orchestrating a elaborate phishing operation that defrauded victims of a staggering 375,000 euros between January 2020 and January 2021.

Description of the Operation

Detective Inspector Matias Björklund described the operation as “exceptionally complex” and “carefully planned.”
Suspects obtained sensitive personal data from victims via a series of sophisticated text messages.
One variation involved recipients believing they received a message from Finland’s national mail carrier Posti, promising a package delivery.
To claim the package, victims were prompted to click a link and enter their bank identification information.
Stolen data was then used to apply for loans under victims’ names.
Proceeds were transferred between various accounts.
Some individuals might have created up to ten accounts for this purpose.
“Contingency plans” were in place in case of disrupted cash flow during the commission of the crimes.

Discovery and Arrest

Police were alerted to the scam after an arrest was made in Espoo, Finland, in early January 2021.
The suspect, now in custody, was found with approximately 4,000 euros in cash and other incriminating evidence.
Including a bank card belonging to another suspected scammer.

Timeline

Scam messages were initially sent out in April 2020.
The most recent waves were identified in the first few days of January 2021.

Suspects and Charges

Two individuals are reportedly suspected of involvement in six separate waves of the phishing operations.
Another 12 are believed to have participated in three earlier waves.
Over 176 attempted loans with over 80,000 euros withdrawn from ATMs.

Current Investigations

Each case is being examined as aggravated fraud.
Investigations are ongoing at various stages.

Reminder to Citizens

Detective Inspector Björklund reminded citizens to be cautious of unfamiliar messages.
Never share personal information with unsolicited contacts.

Developing Story

This is a developing story and further details will be shared as they become available.