Courier arrested in Maardu for telephone fraud scheme, losses exceed €140,000

The Police and Border Guard Board arrested a 23-year-old Estonian citizen in Maardu on suspicion of involvement in an extensive telephone fraud scheme. The man acted as a courier, collecting bank cards and cash from victims at post terminals. The damage directly caused by his activities amounts to approximately €50,000, while the total damage caused by the criminal network exceeds €140,000.

Police arrested a 23-year-old Estonian citizen in Maardu on suspicion of involvement in a large-scale telephone fraud criminal scheme. The Police and Border Guard Board announced this on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

Courier collecting cash at post terminals

According to the investigation, the suspect played the role of a so-called courier: he collected bank cards and cash from post terminals that victims had deposited there, and then withdrew the money from ATMs. The suspect may be connected to at least eight fraud incidents that occurred from late April through late May.

One victim's case clearly illustrates the methods used. A 72-year-old woman from Võru received a call about a registered letter delivery, followed by contact from someone claiming to be a Swedbank employee. The woman was persuaded to withdraw cash and place her bank card along with €3,500 in an Omniva post terminal. The criminals took €3,500 in cash from her and transferred an additional €3,400 from her account.

Damage reaches tens of thousands

According to police data, the suspect's activities directly caused damage of approximately €50,000. The total damage caused by the criminal network, of which he was a member, exceeds €140,000.

According to the Southern Prefecture, the suspect was recruited into criminal activity through social media, which is one of the most common ways young people are drawn into fraud schemes.

Prosecutor: Knowingly participated in organised crime

Prosecutor Evelin Ets stressed that, according to the investigation, the suspect knowingly participated in a well-organised criminal scheme and caused significant damage to multiple people in a short period of time. The court agreed with the prosecutor's position and remanded the man in custody for two months.

Police urge anyone who may have suffered as a result of the suspect's activities to contact them at kelmused@politsei.ee.

Law enforcement agencies remind the public that neither police nor banks ever ask by telephone to hand over bank cards, cash or PIN codes. In such calls, the conversation should be ended immediately, and if fraud is suspected, emergency services should be called at 112.