An extensive online fraud investigation by the Malta Police Financial Crime Investigations Department has led to the arrest of a 25-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man, following coordinated raids carried out on 2nd February.
Police believe the woman was the main local figure in an online fraud scheme in which victims were allegedly deceived through the impersonation of a local bank. So far, investigators have identified around 200 victims, with total losses estimated at €1 million.
The investigation has also uncovered links between the suspect and an international criminal network operating across Ireland and the United Kingdom, prompting a joint operation involving Europol, the Irish Garda, and UK authorities.
During searches in Malta, police seized €8,000 in cash from a residence in Paola, while another search in Qrendi led to the confiscation of several mobile phones and electronic devices. Authorities in Ireland also seized multiple electronic devices during related searches.
Police confirmed that investigations are still ongoing, as efforts continue to trace further suspects and recover additional evidence connected to the cross-border fraud operation.