Elderly Woman Scammed Out of $123,000 in Minsk Phone Scam

Minsk Police Crack Down on Phone Scam Ring, Recovering $123,000 from Pensioner In a recent operation, Minsk police successfully apprehended a group of individuals involved in a sophisticated phone scam that targeted elderly citizens. The incident came to light when a 77-year-old pensioner, believing her son was involved in a serious car accident, handed over a substantial sum of money—$123,000—to a courier. This act of deception highlights the vulnerability of the elderly to such scams. Swift action by law enforcement led to the identification and arrest of two key suspects, an 18-year-old and his 17-year-old accomplice. According to a statement by a police spokesperson, "These young individuals were part of a larger criminal network, and their actions demonstrate a callous disregard for the well-being of others." The investigation revealed that the suspects appropriated approximately $11,000 from the total sum for their personal use, purchasing clothing and mobile phones. The remaining funds are currently being processed to return to the victim. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution when dealing with unexpected requests for money and the need for continued vigilance against phone scams.