Vienna police seek help after complex cryptocurrency fraud
The Criminal Police Office in Vienna has launched an urgent investigation into a complex cryptocurrency fraud case, in which a 31-year-old man lost 86,000 euros, in one of the most serious digital fraud cases recorded recently in Vienna.
According to investigators, the fraud scheme began in October 2024 when an unknown person contacted the victim claiming to be a foreign investor. After building trust through lengthy conversations, he introduced him to a second person presented as a business partner.
The suspects later succeeded in convincing the victim to execute a cryptocurrency transaction, which later turned out to be part of a well-organized scam. After the transfer was completed, the connection was suddenly cut off, and the digital assets disappeared without a trace.
The police classified the crime as part of what is known as the 'Rip Deal' method, which is a fraudulent pattern that relies on gaining trust first before executing a large financial deal. During the investigation, the Vienna Criminal Police Office, part of the Vienna Police Directorate (LPD Wien – Vienna Police Directorate), managed to obtain images suspected to be of one of the involved parties.
According to the police description, the suspect is estimated to be between 15 and 25 years old, speaks German fluently, is overweight, wears glasses, and shows a great interest in cryptocurrencies. Based on the instructions of the public prosecutor's office, the photos were published and the public was invited to provide any information, amid warnings about the increasing complexity and danger of cryptocurrency fraud.