In the Mechelen criminal court on Tuesday, two young men stood trial for their involvement in a helpdesk fraud scheme.
The prosecution is seeking a two-year prison sentence and a €2,000 fine with probation for one of the men, and a 30-month sentence with a €2,000 fine for the other.
On 16 January 2024, an elderly woman in Lier received a phone call from someone posing as a bank employee, who convinced her that there were suspicious transactions on her account and that someone would come to collect her bank card and codes. The woman also handed over her iPad, which she used for banking. It soon became clear she was the victim of helpdesk fraud, with numerous payments made from her account, money withdrawn, and various goods ordered and collected from stores.
Security camera footage identified a minor involved, who was transported by the first defendant. The investigation revealed a third accomplice who orchestrated the crime and whose phone was used to contact the victims. This man was under house arrest, wearing an ankle monitor, in connection with a separate case of abduction and torture, for which he has since been convicted.
Another victim from Lint came forward, having experienced a similar scam. The first defendant also faced charges concerning a third incident involving a woman who could not be identified.
The prosecution requests a two-year sentence and a €2,000 fine with probation for the first man, and a 30-month sentence with a €2,000 fine for the second.
The first defendant requested community service. His lawyer argued he did not minimise his role, stating he was paid €700 for driving around without fully understanding why. Meanwhile, the second defendant sought acquittal, claiming his phone number was used without his knowledge. His lawyer emphasised that it is not their responsibility to prove innocence, but the prosecution’s duty to prove guilt.
