Coordinated actions of the Cybercrime Directorate for the online and electronic tracking of airline passengers, who through various organized networks, carry out fraudulent airline ticket bookings
The Cybercrime Directorate is in close cooperation with the digital platform Perseuss, through which airlines worldwide exchange information around the clock regarding illegal activity concerning the use of all types of payment cards
In this context, an investigation into online frauds was launched and a case file was opened against a 59‑year‑old manager of a travel agency in Attica, a 21‑year‑old local and a 26‑year‑old foreigner
The amount of the financial fraud from the illegal activity is being investigated and amounts to tens of thousands of euros
The Cybercrime Directorate, aiming to combat fraud on the internet, has undertaken coordinated actions for continuous monitoring and identification of passengers, who through various organized networks, make fraudulent airline ticket bookings, with destinations worldwide. In this framework, it has developed cooperation, during the last quarter of the year, with airports throughout the country.
This specific action is being developed within the framework of the active participation of the Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate in the design and implementation of the Cybercrime (Payment Card Fraud) priority of the European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) and by utilizing the results of the Global Actions to address online fraud against airlines and travel agencies, in which it actively participated (Ref. Press release of the Hellenic Police Headquarters from 02-07-2015 ).
More specifically, the Cybercrime Directorate, through communication with involved private entities (airlines, travel agencies and financial institutions of the country) and in cooperation with the Police Departments of Airports throughout the country, has started the process of checking fraudulent airline bookings on a 24‑hour basis, with the aim of safeguarding e – commerce and other criminal activities (human trafficking, illegal immigration, etc.). It should be noted that this action has been endorsed by EUROPOL / EC 3.
In particular, the Cybercrime Directorate is in direct cooperation with the digital platform of Perseuss (Global Airline Community to combat fraud) through which airlines around the world can exchange information 24 hours a day regarding illegal activity involving the use of all types of payment cards. Additionally, for the conduct of joint investigations, the Cybercrime Directorate is in direct cooperation with Europol / Interpol / Ameripol.
Investigation of an online fraud case under continuous pursuit in the aviation sector and filing of a case file against three individuals
An online fraud case was investigated in the aviation sector and a case file was filed against two domestic women, aged 59 and 21, as well as a 26-year-old foreigner, a citizen of Georgia, for the offense of fraud under continuous pursuit via the internet.
The investigation of the case began after the utilization of information from the Cybercrime Directorate, according to which, in dozens of cases, fraudulent sale of airline tickets was carried out online, using stolen payment card details.
The above were brought to the attention of the competent Prosecutor's Office of First Instance and an order was issued for a preliminary examination and investigation, for further investigation of the evidence that emerged.
From the police investigation, the digital analysis of the evidence and data that followed, within the framework of lifting the confidentiality of communications, the involvement of the three (3) individuals in the case at hand was identified and their place of residence was geographically determined.
More specifically, the 59-year-old, as the manager of a travel agency, was engaged in fraudulent sales of airline tickets, as she collected the full monetary price of a ticket from customers, while the two (2) aforementioned associates of hers bought the same ticket online, using stolen credit cards, charging the actual holder without his/her knowledge.
A team of police officers from the Cybercrime Division carried out a large police operation on (25-09-2015) in the wider area of Attica, with the presence of Judicial Officials, conducting investigations at the homes and workplaces of those involved, where printed material related to their illegal activity was found and seized.
To date, the police investigation has revealed their involvement in at least three (3) cases of ticket sales, which were carried out using stolen payment card details, while more than one hundred eleven (111) cases of suspicious transactions are being investigated, the amount of which amounts to tens of thousands of euros.
Additionally, possible tax-related violations are being examined (inaccurate VAT reporting, etc.).
The case file of the procedural action that was formed will be submitted to the competent Prosecutor's Office of First Instance, while simultaneously the possible involvement of the parties is being investigated in other similar and related criminal acts.
It is recalled that citizens can communicate, anonymously or by name, with the Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate in order to provide information or report illegal or reprehensible acts or activities carried out via the Internet, at the following contact details:
- By phone: 111 88
- By sending an e-mail to: ccu @ cybercrimeunit . gov . gr
- Through the application for smart phones with iOS – Android operating system:CYBERKID
- Via Twitter "SOS Cyber Alert Line": @cyberalertGR
