Five on drug, fraudand organised crime rap
Five people across Lanarkshire, Glasgow and the North East of Scotland have been arrested and charged in connection with alleged involvement in serious organised crime, high-value fraud and drugs offences.
On Friday, detectives executed warrants at residential and business addresses in East Kilbride, Uddingston and in the Shawlands area of Glasgow.
Class A drugs, estimated to be worth over £1000, and over £30,000 in cash were seized during the operation.
It follows an investigation carried out by officers from North East Division’s Cyber-Enabled Crime Team after a six-figure sum was stolen in January this year from an elderly man in Aberdeen, by a person posing as a member of his bank’s fraud department.
Two men, aged 21 and 48, were arrested and charged in connection with the fraud.
Two men, aged 22 and 25, and a 44-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences.
All were due to appear Aberdeen Sheriff Court and Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, April 22. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Detective Sergeant Dave Williamson, of the Cyber-Enabled Crime Team, said: “Police Scotland is committed to tackling cyber-enabled organised crime and this operation underlines our dedication to the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Organised crime groups use technology to target victims, who are often the most vulnerable people in our communities. These scams are not always easy to spot and anyone can be fooled.
“If in doubt hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.
“If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of cyber-enabled crime, the circumstances can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”