Bosnian thief exposes senior trick fraud: complained of 270,000 euros!

Bosnian thief exposes senior trick fraud: complained of 270,000 euros!

Wien, Österreich - A 52-year-old Bosnian is the focus of the Viennese police investigations after being suspected of stealing older people systematically. The damage previously determined so far amounts to around 270,000 euros. Investigators have ensured numerous valuables that allegedly come from the burglaries. The suspect has his main residence in Croatia and uses his visits to Vienna to carry out criminal activities. This procedure is alarming because it represents a targeted strategy against seniors in need of protection.

The man's procedure included the targeted observation of seniors when leaving their apartments or houses. He then addressed the seniors and got involved in a conversation while he stole the apartment or house key in an unobserved moment. With the stolen keys, he was able to gain access to the victims' living rooms and steal valuables there. The investigators assume that the perpetrator could also be responsible for other similar crimes.

growing threat to seniors

The data of the Federal Criminal Police Office show that older people are increasingly victims of such theft methods. A comparable case was uncovered in Vienna in early 2024, in which another perpetrator captured 245,000 euros by issuing as a police officer. It is emphasized that such ownership offenses against seniors are often organized and carried out across borders. The Federal Criminal Police Office therefore continues the cooperation with Europol to combat this form of crime more effectively.

The police in Austria has set up a task force against social service fraud since 2020, which could also be relevant in this context. In 2020, 3,820 cases of social service fraud were reported, which corresponds to an increase of almost 70% compared to 2019. Experts criticize the increase in such offenses and warn of the associated dangers for society, especially for vulnerable groups and seniors. The Task Force has identified over 50 different methods of social service fraud, which also lead to an increase in police work.

statistical developments

The police crime statistics (PKS) records extensive data on crime in Austria. These statistics serve the strategic planning of police measures and supports preventive and repressive fight against crime. Since 2001 all displayed cases have been registered electronically, so that relevant statistical evaluations for crime development are possible.

The PKS shows long -term developments and is regularly adapted to social phenomena and changes in criminal legislation. Annual security reports created by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Ministry of Justice offer detailed information about the PKS and criminal policy developments.

The investigation against the Bosnian continues and it is to be hoped that the security for the elderly in Vienna and all of Austria can be improved by targeted measures by the police and the Federal Criminal Police Office.

For further details on the current investigations and the development of social service fraud in Austria, please read the articles on Kosmo , Federal Criminal Police Office .