Six-figure loss

City map trick: 45-year-old thief convicted in Vienna

In the meantime, 45 thefts have been attributed to the main suspect, resulting in a total loss in the low six-figure range (symbolic image).

(Bild: P. Huber)

A 45-year-old suspected serial thief was arrested at Vienna-Schwechat Airport in mid-December 2024. She is said to have committed at least 45 thefts with accomplices, causing six-figure losses. The police are still investigating - two suspects have already been identified.

A suspected serial con artist was arrested at Vienna-Schwechat Airport in mid-December 2024. The 45-year-old is believed to be responsible for at least 45 thefts, which caused damage in the low six-figure range.

Distracted with a brazen city map trick
Together with accomplices, she distracted her victims with diversionary maneuvers, such as showing them a city map, and stole wallets. They then used the stolen ATM cards to make illegal withdrawals and payments.

Refused to make a statement about accomplices
The woman had already been arrested in Montenegro in July on the basis of an international arrest warrant. After intensive investigations by the Vienna State Criminal Police Office and in cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office, she was finally transferred to Austria.

She is now being held in a prison, but has so far refused to provide information about her accomplices. Two other suspects, aged 17 and 22, have already been identified. Investigations are continuing.