RMF FM reported that 12 people were detained in an operation conducted by the Central Police Investigation Bureau (CBŚP), the Central Cybercrime Bureau and the Internal Security Agency (ABW) over alleged banking fraud. Two of the suspects are Russian nationals, one is Ukrainian and nine are Polish citizens.
The detainees include four men and eight women. The suspects are between 21 and 57 years old.
Operation extended to three Polish cities
The group allegedly operated for approximately two years. The investigation was conducted in Warsaw, its main center, as well as in Lodz and Bialystok.

The suspects allegedly specialized in phishing-based fraud involving fast mobile payments. The group is alleged to have defrauded victims of at least several million zlotys.
Seven suspects remanded in custody
Seven of the 12 detainees were remanded in custody. The other suspects were placed under police supervision, while prison sentences of up to 12 years could be sought in the investigation.

Polish and foreign currencies, jewelry and vehicles were seized during the operations. The total value of the assets seized was reported to be 850,000 zlotys, approximately 200,000 euros.
Claim concerning the Russian nationals
The two Russian nationals had been living in Poland for two years and spent their most recent year there on temporary residence permits. It was also alleged that records in relevant information systems indicated they might have had contacts with terrorist organizations.