A SMS fraud is under investigation after a suspected scheme allegedly targeted unsuspecting citizens through deceptive text messages posing as official services.
According to Phileleftheros, the suspects presented themselves as representatives of the General Healthcare System (GeSY) or a service for paying traffic fines.
The messages used sender names including “CY MEDICAL” and “traffic CY” and asked recipients either to update their personal details or pay supposed outstanding fines.
Victims who followed the instructions entered their bank card details, allowing the suspects to gain access to their financial information.
Three complaints in Larnaca
The Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 24-year-old Pakistani national who was living in Nicosia. He was arrested at Larnaca Airport shortly before he was due to leave Cyprus.
Citizen complaints played a key role in the investigation after victims discovered that money had been taken from their accounts.
On September 21, a 76-year-old man reported receiving a message from “traffic CY”. After entering his bank card details, two ATM withdrawals were made in Nicosia, totalling €3,963.
On October 2, a 68-year-old man reported receiving a message from “CY MEDICAL”. After providing his credit card details, he discovered that €770 had been taken.
Following the suspect’s arrest, another victim reported losing €2,390 through the same method.
Three complaints have been recorded in Larnaca, with two more reported in Nicosia and Limassol.
Electronic wallet and €50,000 in cigars
Police investigations reportedly linked the bank cards of the complainants to an electronic wallet installed on a mobile phone allegedly associated with the 24-year-old.
However, investigators believe the withdrawals were carried out by a second person who remains wanted.
Police found three mobile phones, expensive lighters and cigars worth more than €50,000 in the suspect’s possession. The cigars had reportedly been purchased from a shop in Nicosia.
Authorities are examining whether the cigars were being used to launder money. The suspect reportedly claimed that he intended to send them to Dubai for resale, saying their commercial value there could be up to four times higher.
Eight-day detention ordered
The 24-year-old appeared before the Larnaca District Court, which ordered his eight-day detention while the investigation continues.
The offences under investigation include theft, unauthorised access to information systems, interception and unlawful processing of data, conspiracy to commit a felony and money laundering.
Also read: Limassol: Armed robbers steal €200,000 worth of jewellery from couple
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