Two elderly people were injured after a pyrotechnic device exploded in a branch of Halyk Bank in Pavlodar. According to the police, the pensioners followed instructions from phone scammers who persuaded them to light a firecracker placed inside a cake.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the Pavlodar Regional Police Department, a report of a pyrotechnic device exploding in a bank branch was received by the police at around 16:00. As a result of the incident, two elderly people sustained minor injuries.
According to police information, the pensioners had previously fallen victim to phone scammers, investing money in fictitious investment projects.
HOW THE SUSPECTS OPERATED
After the first incident, unknown individuals contacted the victims again. Under the pretext of returning previously lost funds, they used psychological manipulation to persuade the pensioners to buy a cake and a firecracker.
Following the instructions they received, the couple brought the cake to the Halyk Bank branch and lit the pyrotechnic device placed inside.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION
According to the police, individuals acting as money mules have already been identified in connection with the previous incident. They have been held accountable, and court proceedings are underway to recover the stolen funds for the victims.
In connection with the incident involving the pyrotechnic device, a number of criminal cases have been opened. A series of operational and investigative measures are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects.
WHAT THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS SAID
The Ministry of Internal Affairs warned that a person who has once been a victim of phone scammers remains at an increased risk of being deceived again.
