The two men were detained as part of an investigation by the Leiria Criminal Investigation Department, which found that “the suspects sent fraudulent messages, impersonating children or relatives of the victims in an emergency situation, in order to induce them to make bank transfers,” the PJ revealed in a statement.
To the Lusa agency, the director of the PJ in Leiria, Fernando Ramos, explained that “it seems they had been using this scheme since at least 2023,” with the number of victims still being determined, as many people may not have filed complaints.
The two suspects, initially reported by the PJ as being 25 and 24 years old, are actually “father and son, aged 58 and 24,” clarified the director.
The men, indicted for the crimes of qualified fraud, computer falsity, and money laundering, were arrested following the execution of a home search.
During the search, the PJ seized “various computer equipment, as well as phone cards used in carrying out the frauds,” stated Fernando Ramos.
The suspects are indicted for the crimes of qualified fraud, computer falsity, and money laundering.
According to the PJ, their primary means of livelihood is this criminal activity, as they have no known employment or lawful income.
Presented to court for their first judicial interrogation on Wednesday, the most severe coercive measure, preventive detention, was applied.
The inquiry is overseen by the Leiria Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP).
