File photo.
A suspected member of a gang of phone scammers targeting vulnerable people got more than he had bargained for after a policeman twigged to the scheme and his past caught up with him, authorities said Tuesday.
The suspect was found to have outstanding past convictions in absentia for firearms and drugs offenses, for which he had been given a total 10-year prison sentence and been fined €51,500, a police statement said.
It said the suspect was arrested Monday near the northern town of Pella, on his way to collect cash and jewellery from a man an associate had tried to swindle – introducing herself as an accountant and claiming he needed to register any valuables kept at home to avoid paying a fine.
But the police officer immediately notified colleagues, who arrested the suspect despite his efforts to escape on foot.
