Utrecht – Colleagues from the Central Netherlands Digital Crime Team visited victims of digital fraud in recent weeks. These are victims in a case in which the team, in collaboration with the Romanian police, arrested three suspects last March on suspicion of digital fraud. A fourth suspect has been interrogated in Romania. Hundreds of victims fell victim to the foursome’s activities. The amount of damage amounts to more than one million euros.
The purpose of the victim visits is to listen to their story and to let them know that the case has actually been started and suspects have been arrested. “We know that the mental impact of digital crime on victims is great, often greater than with traditional crime. Many victims therefore do not report or report the crime. While filing a report actually helps. For the victims themselves and so that we have as much investigative information as possible. This is also evident from this complex, international research. We were therefore extra motivated to track down the suspects,” says research leader Jouke Posthumus.
The victims in this case initially received a letter informing them that their case will not be pursued further. This is now happening less and less and colleagues within the entire police force are increasingly successful in making a successful arrest. Iris Koster is one of the colleagues from the Digital Crime Team who visited the victims. “The victims we visited were very happy that their case was arrested and we were able to arrest the three suspects,” says Iris.
Victims often feel ashamed and do not dare to report crimes. But every report can be that one piece of the puzzle to solve a case. “During the conversations we tried to remove the bit of shame, because scams can happen to anyone.”
You can do this
The mental impact of digital crime on victims is great, often greater than with traditional crime. Many victims therefore do not report or report the crime. While filing a report actually helps. For yourself, and so that the police have as much investigative information as possible. Know that absolutely anyone can become a victim. Cybercriminals work professionally. So there is no need for shame. If you have been a victim, talk about it and report it. Are you reading this news item and has this happened to you? Please contact the police on 0900 8844 or file a report online.
Read here the measures you can take to reduce the risk of cybercrime.
Information source: Politie.nl
