Syrian extortionist stands after a failed bank attack in Villach

Syrian extortionist stands after a failed bank attack in Villach

A dramatic case of attempted extortion keeps the Austrian and German public in suspense. On November 8, 2024, a 21-year-old Syrian threatened the employees in a bank branch in Villach-Köndorf with a dummy of bombing to blackmail cash. The armed man, who appeared with white gloves and a hidden face contour, left a threatening slip and briefly exposed his clothing to show his alleged "explosive material". Despite his intimidation, he failed to make prey because he finally left the bank without money. The alarmed investigators were initially powerless to clarify the identity of the fleeing person until a great search for search and the public investigation by the Carinthia State Criminal Police Office led to the man on December 25th and confessed his deeds, like meinbezirk.at reported.

indictment in Ulm

Another shocking blackmail offense occurred in October 2021 in a department store in Ulm, where a 63-year-old man deposited a bombing dummy and called for a payment of 1.4 million euros in Bitcoin with a blackmail letter. The perpetrator threatened to activate the supposed bomb if the money required should not be paid within 72 hours. However, the police were able to arrest the perpetrator before this period. Despite his project, the man had said during the trial that he didn't want to endanger anyone. He also stated that he suffered from a terminal brain tumor. But as Zeit.de , it turned out that the defendant was healthy. He was sentenced to a prison sentence of three years and nine months, although his criminal life and the proven DNA could not be ignored at the scene.

Both cases show how far criminals are willing to go to solve their financial problems. In such tense situations, the security of the citizens always remains at risk, while the judiciary tries to counter these threats with sharp judgments.