Overview
- Kommissariat 61 is investigating several fraud cases targeting mostly women who were approached in upscale city areas, parks, markets, outside churches and yoga studios, and near hospitals.
- The scheme follows a script that starts with praise of a "special" aura, pivots to claims of darkness or blocked chakras, and uses staged rituals before asking victims what the help is "worth" to elicit escalating payments.
- Investigators describe highly practiced, professional methods and report links to family clans, noting undercover inquiries over the past two years.
- The suspect "Amela," identified as Marianna M., is wanted on an international warrant, with relatives facing trial in Austria and allegations that she amassed up to €10 million; documented single-case losses reach six figures.
- Authorities warn of significant underreporting due to shame and fear and ask victims or witnesses to call the Munich police, Kommissariat 61, at 089 2910-0 or contact any police station.