Fraudsters extorted almost PLN 15 million. They used the image of a child who lost to the disease

The services crashed a gang of fraudsters who, under the cover of charity activities, extorted almost PLN 15 million. The officers detained four people, of whom three were arrested.

Asp. Monika Strzesk from the press team of the Central Bureau of Cybercrime said that the owners of the Foundation were detained, who were the core of the gang responsible for many years of extorting money under the guise of helping sick and disabled children. During searches in one of the apartments, the officers also found psychotropic substances prepared for distribution.

Fraudsters used manipulation – they aroused compassion, conducting activity under the slogans of charity.

“Homeless people employed to conduct fake collections, who after undergoing training were taught how to talk to potential donors, how to arouse pity and how to avoid answering uncomfortable questions,” explained Żłydlska.

The goal of collections was to help people in a difficult family situation and raise money for the treatment of sick children.

“It is terrified by the fact that criminals used the image of a child who lost a long time ago with the disease. Still, the organization was still” helped “, showing on the internet touching stories about this child and paying bills for symbolic amounts, only to show account activity” – emphasized the policewoman.

“For 9 years, the donors paid almost PLN 15 million to the Foundation, but only 2.5 percent of total payments were allocated to help,” said spokesman for the head of the National Tax Administration of the Academy of Fine Arts. Justyna Pasieczyńska.

Fraudsters paid money from donations in cash or transferred it to bank accounts.

In total, 4 people aged 34 to 74 were detained – previously known to law enforcement agencies. They heard allegations of participation in an organized criminal group, money laundering, placing intoxicants and numerous tax fraud on the market.

The officers secured property for over PLN 2 million, including luxury cars and cash on bank accounts and in cash.

Three people were temporarily arrested. Suspects are facing up to 12 years in prison.

The action was attended by officers of the Board in Wrocław of the Central Bureau of Cybercrime and the Lower Silesian Customs and Tax Office. (PAP)

Mas/ JOZ/