Five charged after elderly man defrauded out of more than £100,000

Four men and a woman have been charged in connection with involvement in serious organised crime across Scotland after an elderly man was defrauded out of more than £100,000.

The alleged crimes include high-value fraud and drug offences with incidents spanning the North East, Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

The investigation came after an elderly man in Aberdeen was defrauded out of a six-figure sum of money by a person posing as a member of the public in January 2024.

Detectives executed warrants at residential and business address in East Kilbride, Uddingston and Shawlands on April 19 in connection with an investigation by the Cyber-Enabled Crime Team.

Class A drugs, estimated to be worth more than £1,000, and more than £30,000 in cash were seized during the raids.

Two men, aged 21 and 48, were arrested and charged in connection with the fraud.

Two men, aged 22 and 25, and a 44-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences.

All are due to appear Aberdeen Sheriff Court and Glasgow Sheriff Court on April 22. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective sergeant Dave Williamson, of the Cyber-Enabled Crime Team, said: “Police Scotland is committed to tackling cyber-enabled organised crime and this operation underlines our dedication to the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Organised crime groups use technology to target victims, whom are often the most vulnerable people in our communities. These scams are not always easy to spot and anyone can be fooled.

“If in doubt hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.

“If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of cyber-enabled crime, the circumstances can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”