Czech Police Detain Foreign Students in Major Internet Fraud and Money Laundering Case

Prague - The Czech Police have announced the detention of ten foreign students in Prague on charges of money laundering and internet fraud involving approximately CZK 1.5 million.

Alleged Scam and Money Laundering

According to Jan Rybanský, a spokesperson for the Prague police, the money obtained from twelve women was allegedly intended for a doctor on a UN mission but was instead used for personal spending or transferred abroad.

- Money laundering
- Internet fraud
- Approximately CZK 1.5 million involved

Source of Funds and Deceitful Tactics

Rybanský explained that the scammers, believed to be foreign students, had created a web of deceit, making it difficult to trace the source of the funds. The police investigation, which began in October 2021, uncovered evidence that the accused individuals had attempted to conceal the money’s origin.

- Concealed money's origin

warning Signs and Prevalence of Such Cases

“These types of scams are not uncommon in the Czech Republic,” Rybanský cautiously stated. “Scammers often target women on social media who publicly reveal their divorce or single status, assume various personas like doctors on UN missions, and employ psychological pressure to convince their victims to send money for a supposed meeting.”

- Scammers target vulnerable individuals
- Diverse personas used
- Psychological pressure

South Moravian Police Case and Collaboration with Other Authorities

In a related case, the South Moravian police, in partnership with customs officers, apprehended a Czech woman suspected of laundering money obtained through an internet scam on behalf of a larger operation based in Austria. A total of over 11 million crowns was involved, affecting several individuals.

- Austrian money laundering operation
- Over 11 million crowns involved
- Several individuals affected

Vigilance and Reporting

Given the prevalence of such cases, the Czech Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and cautious of unsolicited approaches that may seem suspicious. The authorities also ask anyone with information related to these types of crimes to come forward and contact their local police station.

- Remain vigilant
- Report suspicious approaches
- Contact local police station

Consequences and Further Investigations

The detainees face potential imprisonment, as the Czech law dictates sentences ranging from two to eight years for those convicted of fraud and money laundering obtained from criminal activities. The Prague and South Moravian police departments are currently collaborating on further investigations into the cases.

- Potential imprisonment
- Sentences from two to eight years
- Collaboration between Prague and South Moravian police departments