Czech Police Detain Ten Foreign Students on Money Laundering Charges Connected to Internet Fraud
Arrest of Foreign Students in Prague
- Ten foreign students, mostly university students, were detained in Prague on Monday, following an extensive money laundering investigation related to internet fraud. (Czech Police)
- The accused individuals allegedly defrauded approximately CZK 1.5 million from unsuspecting victims. (Jan Rybanský, Prague Police Department)
Scam Background
- The scam began with 12 women who thought they were sending money to a doctor purportedly on a UN mission.
- The students obtained the funds through a sophisticated internet scam and either spent the money or transferred it abroad.
Level of Involvement and Consequences
- Depending on their level of involvement in the fraud and money laundering, the suspects may face prison sentences ranging from two to eight years upon conviction. (Jan Rybanský)
Common Targets and Tactics of Scammers
- Scammers often target women on social media, especially those who reveal they are divorced or single.
- Scammers use various identities, such as soldiers on overseas missions, miners on oil platforms, or doctors working for international organizations, to manipulate women and convince them to send money for a supposed meeting.
- A Czech woman was recently detained in connection to money laundering on behalf of an Austrian internet scam syndicate. (Pavel Sváb, South Moravian police)
- The scammers defrauded over 11 million crowns from women who had been victims of online romance scams.
Importance of Awareness and Public Safety
- Rybanský underscored the importance of raising awareness and urged the public to exercise caution when interacting online, particularly on social media platforms.
- Anyone who suspects they may be a victim of such a scam is encouraged to contact the police and the Financial Analytical Office.