German police dismantle €11M fraud ring targeting elderly victims
German authorities have dismantled an organised fraud ring that targeted elderly victims across the country. In a major operation on 25 February 2026, nearly 200 officers raided properties in seven federal states, seizing assets linked to the scam.
The group is accused of defrauding at least 370 people out of around €11 million since 2022. Victims were tricked into paying large sums for non-existent rare books and inflated shipping fees.
The raids took place across Hesse, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein. Officers searched 27 properties, including homes and business premises, as part of the coordinated action.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. Among them was a 36-year-old German man from Lower Franconia, believed to be the ringleader. Three others are Turkish nationals, while a 33-year-old German-Eritrean woman allegedly worked as a caller in the scheme. Investigators seized assets matching the estimated damages, including a luxury car, two properties, and funds from 50 bank accounts. The suspects face charges of commercial and organised fraud, using a method known as 'facsimile fraud' to deceive victims. The scam involved convincing elderly people they were buying valuable books. Instead, they were charged excessive upfront fees for shipping costs that never materialised. Authorities have confirmed the investigation remains active as they track further leads.
The operation marks one of the largest crackdowns on fraud targeting vulnerable individuals in recent years. With €11 million lost and hundreds of victims affected, prosecutors are working to recover assets and build a case against the suspects. Further details are expected as the inquiry continues.
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