Criminal Organization Arrested for Mobile Phone Fraud in the EU
September 29, 2026
European authorities are investigating a major fraud involving used mobile phones sold as new, with consumer losses estimated at over 300 million euros. The operation, named 'Troja', led to the arrest of seven individuals in various European countries. The gang allegedly used components from Hong Kong and the UAE to assemble the devices. Additionally, authorities uncovered illegal practices related to VAT that harmed member states. More than 1,770 police officers participated in the investigations and seizures.