US citizens duped in Moldova $560K online vehicle fraud
Several American citizens were duped into making advance payments for non-existent cars, trucks, tractors, and farm machinery in an online fraud scheme managed by four young men, aged 20 to 25, from Chișinău.
In just three months, the suspects fraudulently racked up approximately 10 million MDL (roughly $580,000 USD).
According to the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS), the suspects, described as IT-savvy individuals, created and cloned multiple websites that falsely listed various vehicles for sale.
Victims were targeted through online advertising and directed to dedicated call centers operated by the suspects, who posed as "sales representatives" or "authorized agents."
During the conversations, the suspects convinced clients to make advance payments based on falsified invoices. These documents contained fake information regarding the supposed products, transport, warranties, and even return conditions.
The funds received were subsequently transferred to bank accounts belonging to shell companies, which were formally owned by third parties but effectively controlled by the group's members.
The four young men, including the scheme's organizer, his trusted associate, and the call operators who spoke with clients, have been detained.
The PCCOCS stated that the suspects are currently cooperating with prosecutors to establish the identity of all other persons involved.
Specialized prosecutors have already filed motions with the investigative judge for the pre-trial detention of the four suspects.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
