Money Laundering Investigation: Ten Foreign Students Detained in Prague, Czech Republic

Overview

• Ten foreign students living in Prague have been detained on suspicion of money laundering associated with internet fraud worth approximately CZK 1.5 million (€60,000)
• The funds were obtained from unsuspecting victims, making it difficult for authorities to trace their origin

Prague Case

Suspected Students

• Detained: ten foreign students
• Suspected of money laundering
• Funds obtained from victims: CZK 1.5 million (€60,000)

Victims

• Initial reports: twelve unsuspecting women
• Believed they were sending money to a doctor on a UN mission
• Funds either spent or transferred abroad

Police Statement

• Confirmed detention via statement on website
• Jan Rybanský, Prague police spokesperson

Previous Cases

Scammers’ Targets

• Women on social media
• Recently divorced or single women

Scammers’ Tactics

• Create fake identities
• Assuming personas: soldiers, miners, UN doctors
• Psychological pressure to extract money

South Moravian Case

Czech Woman Arrested

• Suspected of laundering money for a larger criminal organization
• Total sum of money involved: 11 million crowns (€432,000)

Scammers Arrested

• Multiple individuals affected by the fraud
• Scammers arrested in January
• Legal proceedings initiated in Austria

Police Warning and Precautions

• Be wary of internet scams
• Avoid sending money to unknown individuals or entities
• If in doubt, report suspicious transactions to the police