Danish Network Linked to Extensive Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly Norwegians
Authorities have uncovered a significant fraud operation allegedly orchestrated by a group of Danes, resulting in over 90,000 scam calls directed at elderly individuals in Norway within a single year. This alarming situation has raised critical concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations.
Detailed investigations led by police in Denmark have identified connections between some suspects and the notorious gang Loyal to Familia (LTF). Finnish investigative documents obtained by NRK further corroborate these links, painting a troubling picture of a well-organized criminal enterprise.
According to a recent indictment, approximately 200 victims suffered losses amounting to at least NOK 28 million — a sum that underscores the scale and seriousness of the operation.
Defense Attorneys Respond
Defense attorney Daniel Storrvik, representing a 29-year-old Dane, stated that his client pleads not guilty and disassociates himself from LTF. Similarly, various defense attorneys representing other defendants have chosen not to comment, while others assert their clients’ denials of any wrongdoing or affiliations with criminal organizations.
“It’s evident that while 200 fraud cases have been formally recorded, the actual number of calls exceeds 90,000,” remarked police attorney Torjus Lundevall in an interview with NRK. “The extent of this operation likely surpasses our current estimates.”
Global Fraud Operations
The intricate fraud network reportedly operated out of Airbnb apartments and hotels in various European cities, including Oslo, Malaga, Helsinki, and Copenhagen. There, individuals would coordinate efforts, making calls to elderly victims scattered across their respective home countries.
Using scripted dialogue, the perpetrators claimed to represent law enforcement, warning victims of fraudulent hacking attempts and soliciting sensitive information to “secure” their accounts. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting elderly citizens fell prey to these deceptive tactics, resulting in significant financial losses.
Targeting the Vulnerable
The Finnish investigation documents reveal that the criminals actively sought out elderly targets, purchasing lists of individuals born in specific years along with their contact details. Notably, women of a certain age demographic have been disproportionately affected, with police highlighting the targeting of specific first names common among older women in Norway.
Among the defendants, five are Danish citizens, including a 29-year-old previously convicted in a violent incident linked to gang conflicts in Copenhagen. Although he was initially slated for deportation following a lengthy prison sentence, he was later acquitted. The indictment suggests that many within the group played key roles in organizing the fraudulent activities, facilitating logistics, and managing communication.
In defense of his client, Storrvik insists that any past affiliation with LTF is irrelevant, asserting that it pertains to a prior period in his life.
Denials and Revelations
During interrogations, police found incriminating evidence, including photographs of several defendants participating in activities linked to LTF, labeled with phrases such as “ltf Helsinki.” Some suspects have attempted to downplay these connections, with one insisting it was merely a joke.
Following a police crackdown in Finland during the summer of 2024, several suspects were arrested, later extradited to Norway for further legal proceedings. Norwegian law enforcement continues to work collaboratively with their international counterparts to dismantle this expansive network and safeguard the community.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly, and the lengths to which criminal organizations will go to exploit them. Police efforts and public awareness will be crucial in combating such pervasive fraud schemes.