Overview

• A 66-year-old Hannover resident was deceived by an online romantic partner and lost a six-figure sum in cash and transfers.
• Police from Hannover’s economic crimes unit arrested the 34-year-old Hamburg suspect during a second scheduled money handover on June 12.
• The Hannover Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested pre-trial detention and will present the suspect to a judge this week.
• Investigators are examining whether the arrested man directly communicated with the victim or served as a money mule for a larger fraud ring.
• Authorities warn that scam proceeds are typically laundered quickly and urge online daters to verify new contacts and report suspicious requests.