Vienna-Ottakring: Police searching for two men after gold scam worth several thousand euros

Course of the crime: Distraction and prepared test plate

After the buyer had this test piece checked for authenticity, he handed the agreed cash amount to the suspects. Only afterwards did it turn out that it was not fine gold, but merely a worthless gold-plated metal plate.

The police assume that the two men acted in a coordinated division of labor. While one engaged the jeweler in conversation, thereby distracting him from the actual transaction, the second is said to have slipped in a prepared test plate. This was subsequently examined by the buyer and apparently accepted as genuine fine gold, after which the cash was handed over.

The damage caused amounts, according to investigations to date, to several thousand euros. The police have not provided more precise figures on the exact amount in their previous statements. No details were initially released either regarding the origin of the alleged gold plates or the possible whereabouts of the cash.

Description of the men being sought

According to the authorities, the men being sought are believed to be Romanian nationals aged between 40 and 55. A description of their physical appearance has not yet been published. Investigators are also examining whether the two men could be responsible for further similar offenses.

The Vienna police are now publicly searching for two men in connection with the suspected fine gold scam worth several thousand euros. Relevant tips, including confidential ones, are being requested by the State Criminal Police Office, West branch.

Tips to the State Criminal Police Office

The public is asked to report any information regarding the two persons being sought, their whereabouts, or possible getaway vehicles. Relevant tips can be given by calling 01-31310-25800 or 01-31310-25511. Confidential reports are also explicitly possible.

The investigation is being conducted by the State Criminal Police Office Vienna, West branch, in close coordination with the responsible district station. Initial forensic examinations have already begun, it was said. The goal is to conclusively establish the identities of the two men and to identify any further possible victims.

Background: Gold scam as a recurring pattern

The case is part of a series of fraud offenses in which alleged fine gold is sold to jewelers or goldsmiths. The modus operandi – a prepared test plate concealed beneath metal plates put forward as genuine – is regarded by investigators as a recurring pattern. Comparable offenses have previously been registered in several European cities.

In this context, the police generally point out that the utmost caution is required when purchasing precious metals. Criminal investigators particularly recommend especially careful examination when goods are offered without clear proof of origin, or when unusually high sums are to be paid in cash.

Recommendations for jewelers and goldsmiths

Professional associations of goldsmiths and jewelers advise that test pieces should only be taken by oneself and only examined using one's own calibrated testing equipment. In addition, the seller's identity should be documented, and transactions should, where possible, not be conducted alone but in the presence of a second person.

The Vienna police have set up a dedicated tip line for the ongoing investigation. Callers can reach the listed phone numbers around the clock. Information submitted through other police stations would also be forwarded to the West branch, it was said.

Status of the investigation and outlook

Whether the two suspected perpetrators left Vienna after the crime or are still in the city area is the subject of the ongoing investigation. The authorities do not rule out that the two men had planned further similar transactions. According to the police, the search is not expected to be concluded for several weeks.

The Vienna police have also issued a property search notice. People who have received similar offers to purchase alleged fine gold in the 16th district or neighboring districts in recent weeks are also asked to contact the West branch.