Lithuanian Man Arrested for Faking Heart Attacks to Evade Restaurant Bills in Spain

Scammer identified as Aidas J. had been arresting for faking heart attacks 20 times over a year, costing restaurants over $800, while taking on the persona of a "typical Russian tourist" in Alicante, Spain.

• Aidas J., a Lithuanian man living in Spain, developed a scheme to avoid paying for meals at various restaurants by faking heart attacks. The 50-year-old posed as a 'typical Russian tourist,' ordering several items from the menu before pretending to fall ill.
• This unusual form of dine-and-dash took place mostly in Alicante, Spain - a port city where Aidas has been living since moving from Lithuania. He targeted various eateries and has executed this scam 20 times within one year.
• During his exploits, Aidas would dine, often ordering dishes like seafood paella and whiskies, and then feign illness when asked to settle the bill. In some cases, he would first claim that he needed to get the money from his hotel room but when this excuse failed, he would then pretend to be unwell.
• The authorities and several restaurant owners have become familiar with the scammer's tactics. In a recent incident at El Buen Comer restaurant, staff recognized his ploy and alerted the police. Aidas was then arrested for the unpaid $36 bill and taken to the police station.
• Despite numerous arrests and short jail stays, Aidas continues his scam. His total unpaid restaurant tabs amount to over $800. A joint criminal complaint has been filed by several restaurants, seeking for him to be jailed for up to two years. However, due to the small amounts involved, Aidas' actions are considered 'minor crimes', limiting the severity of his sentences.

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