Jena/Eisenberg – Police in the Saale-Holzland-Kreis and South Thuringia have achieved a swift investigative success. Following a fraud committed by individuals posing as police officers, two young suspects have been taken into custody.
- Event: Fraud by bogus police officers and subsequent arrest
- Location: Eisenberg (Saale-Holzland-Kreis)
- Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- Suspects: Two youths (17 and 19 years old) with Russian citizenship
On Tuesday afternoon, an 86-year-old woman became the victim of a perfidious fraud scheme. The perpetrators contacted the woman by phone, claiming that burglaries had occurred in her neighborhood and that her valuables needed to be secured. Consequently, the senior citizen handed over 3,200 euros in cash as well as valuable jewelry, including a wedding ring with a personal engraving, to a courier.
Investigation leads to South Thuringia
In the course of the immediate investigation, a VW vehicle became the focus of the officers. The targeted search for the vehicle ultimately led to a quick success: forces from the Hildburghausen police station stopped the car in South Thuringia. During the inspection of the occupants—two suspects aged 17 and 19—officers found extensive stolen property, including gold and silver chains as well as rings.
The victim from Eisenberg was able to unequivocally identify her jewelry and the alleged courier during a presentation. The criminal investigation department in Suhl is currently examining whether the accused are responsible for further crimes. Both suspects were provisionally arrested and brought before a magistrate.
Prevention: How to protect yourself from bogus police officers
The Jena State Police Inspectorate urgently warns against the tactics of fraudsters who pose as police officers, public prosecutors, or bank employees over the phone. The perpetrators deliberately exploit moments of shock to unsettle elderly people.
- The real police will never ask for cash, jewelry, or other valuables over the phone for safekeeping or verification.
- Do not provide any information about your financial situation or valuables kept in your home.
- If in doubt, hang up immediately and dial the emergency number 110 or contact your local police station.
- Never hand over money or valuables to unknown persons.
Source:
Polizei Jena: Ermittlungserfolg! – „Falschen Polizisten“ echte Handschellen angelegt
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.