Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s International Policing Unit have arrested a man in east Belfast this morning, Friday 5th September.

The 24-year-old man is wanted in Hungary to stand trial for a number of fraud offences.

The offences involve calls being made from Northern Ireland to older victims aged in their 80’s in Hungary.  The victims are told dishonestly persuaded to handover cash and valuables to a collector in Hungary. 

He was detained today on a Hungarian extradition warrant and is due to appear before Laganside Extradition Court later today.

Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit said: “Today’s arrest was as a result of an ongoing investigation involving the PSNI’s International Policing Unit and colleagues in Europol and Musgrave CID.

“We are aware this “Grandparent Scam” continues across Europe and we believe there may be others involved in Northern Ireland.  We would ask any members of the public who have information on this crime to report it to PSNI or report via Crimestoppers.  Any information, no matter how small, may assist PSNI and colleagues across Europe in arresting offenders and preventing further victims.

"Older people across Europe continue to be scammed out of their savings and valuables by criminals with no regard for their victims.  The Police Service of Northern Ireland will continue working with Europol and colleagues across Europe to make sure offenders are brought before the courts."