Police raise alarm on fraud and theft |22 December 2023

Sub-Inspector Justin Françoise (left) and Superintendent Jeffery Antoine during the press conference

There is a rising trend in cases of fraud and theft in Seychelles, according to the police. Two hundred and forty (240) cases were reported in 2023, compared to 193 in 2022.

This was revealed by Superintendent Jeffery Antoine, head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Sub-Inspector Justin Françoise of the Commercial Crime unit, during a press conference yesterday at the Central Police station, in Victoria.

The aim of the media briefing was to alert the public about the alarming rate and how to protect themselves.

Sub-Inspector Françoise said the criminals are intelligent and well trained and are preying on vulnerable people who are easily falling into their trap. The majority cases of fraud and theft is mainly through online and credit card transfers.

“In many instances, family members themselves have been tricked into committing these crimes onto elderly members in the family. These victims in these scenarios are often unaware of the person’s intentions and do not know that they are being scammed until it is too late,” said Sub-Inspector Françoise.

“Do not underestimate young kids, for they are also very smart and cunning went it comes to deceit,” he added.

The public, especially the elderly, are advised to be more vigilant and safeguard their credit cards and PIN numbers. They should also contact the police if they are contacted by unknown callers, cyber links or emails, asking for money so they are not duped into a scam.

Kassey Govinden

Photo by Louis Toussaint