Arrest in Vienna: 41-year-old Croatian allegedly defrauded more than 70 people with fabricated car emergency

According to police, the man is alleged to have committed more than 70 fraud offenses since mid-April by feigning an emergency. The known total damage amounts to around 20,000 euros. Investigators, however, expect the actual number of victims to be considerably higher.

The scheme in detail

In his scheme, the accused pretended to have just locked himself out of his own car. In the locked vehicle, according to his claim, were his mobile phone, his wallet, and his identification documents. Using this story, he approached passers-by and asked them for cash.

In addition, the man told the investigators that he urgently needed to travel to Salzburg for an appointment and therefore asked for money for the train journey and accommodation there. He promised those affected that he would repay or transfer the borrowed money the next day. In this way, he persuaded them to hand him cash amounts between 100 and 600 euros.

Police describe the approach as targeted: the accused primarily approached his victims in underground car parks and in business premises. He apparently chose these locations because the probability of encountering helpful people was higher there. According to current findings, the amounts he received each time ranged between 100 and 600 euros.

Investigations and unreported cases

The investigations are being conducted by the City Police Command Landstraße. Based on the investigations to date, police assume a significant number of unreported cases involving offenses that have not yet been reported. The authorities suspect that additional victims may come forward who have not previously filed a report out of shame or uncertainty.

In order to reach any further victims, the Vienna police are publishing photographs of the accused by order of the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office. This measure is a common tool when suspects are believed to have harmed numerous previously unknown victims. Those affected or witnesses are asked to contact the City Police Command Landstraße at the telephone number 01 31310 58252.

Arrest and correctional facility

The person arrested is, according to police, a 41-year-old Croatian national. After his arrest on July 16, 2026 in the Innere Stadt, he was delivered to a correctional facility by order of the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office. The Public Prosecutor's Office is now reviewing the grounds for detention and further criminal proceedings.

The man's scheme follows a familiar pattern of so-called emergency or assistance frauds. Perpetrators exploit a staged, time-critical emergency to take advantage of spontaneous willingness to help and obtain cash. Repayments are generally not made, as the contact details provided are either fabricated or the perpetrators break off contact immediately after the handover.

Police warning

Vienna police fundamentally warn against handing cash to strangers in such cases, even if the story sounds plausible. Instead, the recommendation is to arrange concrete forms of assistance, such as calling an authority, a taxi company, or a trusted person, and never to hand over identification documents or mobile phones.

In the current case, the high number of offenses and the large number of possible crime scenes make it difficult to process the matter. Police are therefore relying on the public appeal with photographs in order to identify further victims and complete the overall picture of the series. Information about locations, times, and external circumstances may also be important for the investigators.

Public appeal with photographs

The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office has ordered the publication of the images, as a judicial decision on a public appeal is considered necessary in cases involving a large number of presumed victims. The publication is also intended to prevent the accused from approaching helpful people again after any possible release from custody.

For the Vienna police, the case is also an example of the work of the investigative units specializing in so-called serial offenses. By evaluating reports, interviewing witnesses, and comparing crime patterns, the officers were ultimately able to arrest the suspect in the act. Tips from the public played a central role in this process.

Appeal to possible further victims

Victims who handed money to the accused between mid-April and mid-July 2026 in Vienna and have not yet filed a report are expressly encouraged to come forward. Anyone who was merely approached and became suspicious without suffering financial damage can also provide relevant information. Contact can be made by telephone with the City Police Command Landstraße at 01 31310 58252.