Polish national arrested in cross-border call centre fraud targeting elderly victims
A 25-year-old Polish national has been arrested in connection with a call centre fraud targeting elderly victims. The suspect was detained on 19 February 2026 in Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate, after a joint German-Polish police operation. Authorities have confirmed the arrest follows an ongoing investigation into financial scams.
The arrest took place as the suspect travelled to an 89-year-old victim's home. The elderly man had prepared thousands of euros in cash, believing he was paying a fake bail demand. Police intervened before any money was handed over.
The operation involved the State Criminal Police Office of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the Stralsund Public Prosecutor's Office. The Karlsruhe Police Headquarters also assisted in apprehending the suspect. This case forms part of the EU-funded CESA project, which targets call centre fraud, including grandparent scams and shock calls. A judicial hearing at the Ludwigshafen District Court followed the arrest. The suspect was remanded into custody while investigations continue. Authorities have stressed that the presumption of innocence remains in place.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat cross-border fraud schemes. German and Polish law enforcement agencies are working together under the CESA project to prevent further scams. The investigation remains active, with no additional arrests reported at this stage.
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