A Larnaca was on Tuesday remanded in custody for three days on suspicion of tricking another Larnaca resident out of €16,500. The authorities also believe the suspect has been impersonating a doctor. Before issuing the three-day remand, Larnaca District Court heard the man’s 54-year-old alleged victim had met the suspect, aged 49, in April. The suspect presented himself as a doctor specialising in geriatrics and the owner of a luxury retirement home in London. After the 54-year-old expressed interest in buying a car, the suspect offered to help him import one from the UK, demanding €6,500 as a down payment for the vehicle, the investigating officer told the court. The suspect then suggested he and his alleged victim go into business together to import various items. The 54-year-old handed over a total of €16,500 for the purpose. The victim grew suspicious when the items failed to arrive and the suspect was unable to return his money. The court heard that Larnaca CID has linked the suspect to similar crimes in the past and that he has no medical training. The suspect denies any involvement in the case beyond admitting to owing the 54-year-old €350 which, he said, he had been lent. Investigations are ongoing.
Cyprus Weekly
Cyprus: Doctor impersonator in custody for €16,500 fraud
