A cybercrime police unit in Lublin, Poland, has announced the apprehension of four Nigerian citizens allegedly operating as part of an organized criminal group involved in online fraud schemes in Poland and other countries.

The suspects reportedly employed various fraudulent methods, including impersonating members of victims’ families, mainly targeting elderly individuals, to extort money.

Another tactic involved posing as foreign soldiers, predominantly Americans residing in Poland, claiming to require financial assistance due to their alleged involvement in peacekeeping missions or injuries sustained.

According to authorities, the fraudsters utilized instant messaging platforms to contact their victims, deceiving them into believing they were peacekeepers.

Once trust was established, they coerced the victims into providing significant sums of money, ostensibly for personal or familial assistance.

Additionally, the perpetrators sent fraudulent emails to companies, posing as legitimate entities and falsely claiming changes to contractors’ bank account details. This tactic enabled them to redirect money deposits to bank accounts opened under stolen identities.

During the arrests, law enforcement seized mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, foreign identification documents, and numerous ATM cards from the suspects’ residences. The items were allegedly used for unauthorized withdrawals in EU countries.

Additionally, authorities confiscated 68,000 zlotys in cash (approximately €15,800) and recovered 70,000 zlotys (about €16,300) from fraudulently obtained bank accounts.

The detained individuals are facing charges of fraud, participation in an organized criminal group, and money laundering.

Following a court decision, all four suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention as the investigation continues.