Two men aged 32 and 51 were arrested this Monday on suspicion of various crimes of qualified fraud in Barcelos. The fraudulent scheme became known as the “EuroMillions Winning Ticket Scheme”.
According to the statement of the Judicial Police, crimes have been committed since 2018. The men introduced themselves as astrologers and created an atmosphere of “mysticism”. They claimed to have a winning Euromillions ticket and offered the victims to “buy” it in exchange for large sums of money.
Handpicked victims have always been wealthy and vulnerable.
The suspects deceived and convinced several victims to hand over large sums of money. In total, according to estimates, they managed to extort about 500 thousand euros.
“There were those who gave them 160,000 euros,” a PJ source told Luce.
“Investigative measures were taken, which made it possible to locate and detain the suspects on April 17, and the relevant evidence and various documents were seized,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Judicial Panel is currently investigating to identify other cases and victims of the scheme. “It is assumed that the suspects repeatedly engaged in this type of crime,” he points out.
The men will be present in court to inquire about appropriate coercive measures.
Author: morning Post This Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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