Freiburg police dismantle youth-led online fraud ring involving dozens of suspects
The cantonal police in Freiburg uncovered a large online fraud network with 77 participants, many of whom are minors, and arrested three alleged leaders.
Freiburg’s cantonal police announced the disruption of an extensive online fraud operation after a prolonged probe. The network comprised 77 participants, with nearly half being minors recruited through social media promises of quick profit. Using compromised bank cards, the group placed orders for IT and electronics, which were collected by intermediaries and sold for profit.
Police seized evidence in 24 raids, uncovering 124 fraudulent purchases and compromising 187 credit cards, 118 of which were traced to owners. Three alleged masterminds—a 24-year-old Portuguese national and two 23-year-old Swiss citizens residing outside the canton—were arrested. The investigation also revealed unrelated serious traffic violations and weapons-law breaches.
Why it matters
The case highlights how youth are being drawn into sophisticated cyber-fraud schemes, posing risks to financial security.
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