Two individuals, a 21-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman from Copenhagen, have been arrested in Roskilde in connection with a series of fraud cases targeting elderly people. Police apprehended the pair on Thursday, discovering 30,000 kroner in cash inside their vehicle. They are scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday for a custody hearing.

Midt- and Vestsjællands Police suspect the arrested individuals of defrauding elderly victims of cash and debit cards, resulting in unauthorized withdrawals. The charges against them involve 13 elderly people across Roskilde, Jyllinge, Greve, Præstø on Zealand, and Nysted on Lolland. The total losses suffered by the victims amount to at least 140,000 kroner, according to a police statement.

The arrests followed the theft of debit cards from an 88-year-old man in Jyllinge and an 88-year-old woman in Roskilde. Authorities report that 12-15,000 kroner was subsequently withdrawn from these stolen cards.

“An extensive investigation, including surveillance of their vehicle, allowed us to arrest two suspects who were caught in the act,” stated investigation leader Rasmus Jensby from Midt- and Vestsjællands Police in the press release.

Beyond the cash and debit card incidents, the pair faces charges related to defrauding two elderly women of their jewelry.

Police emphasize the seriousness of these crimes, noting that the perpetrators exploit the elderly’s trust in banks and authorities to obtain money and valuables. The fraudulent scheme involves the suspects appearing at the victims’ homes, creating a sense of insecurity among those affected.

The Roskilde Court is scheduled to commence the preliminary hearing on Friday at 1:30 PM, where the defendants will have the opportunity to address the charges.