Police Raids in Cologne Uncover Massive SMS Fraud Scheme

Authorities investigate a 17-year-old and 11 others for sending over 360,000 fraudulent messages and laundering money through youth bank accounts.

Cologne police conducted raids on 13 properties, seizing 25 mobile phones, laptops, over 250 grams of cocaine, and €10,000 in cash.
Investigators are focusing on a 17-year-old suspect accused of sending more than 360,000 fraudulent SMS messages targeting parents with fake financial emergencies.
The scheme involved recruiting youths, often outside schools or via social media, to provide bank cards and PINs for laundering money.
The fraudulent messages deceived recipients into transferring funds to accounts controlled by the group, resulting in financial losses exceeding €100,000.
The operation is being coordinated with the Leipzig Cybercrime Taskforce, with 160 cases of fraud and money laundering recorded since December 2024.