Five charged following 'involvement in serious organised crime' in Scotland
It comes after an elderly man in Aberdeen had a six-figure sum of money stolen by a person posing as a bank employee.
Five people have been charged in connection with high value fraud, drug offences and involvement in serious organised crime across Aberdeen, Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
It comes after an elderly man in Aberdeen had a six-figure sum of money stolen by a person posing as a member of his bank's fraud department back in January.
The North East Division's Cyber-Enabled Crime Team carried out an investigation, and on 19 April, detectives searched residential and business properties in East Kilbride, Shawlands and Uddingston.
Over £30,000 of cash was seized during the operation, along with Class A drugs estimated to be worth over £1,000.
Two men, aged 21 and 48, were arrested and charged in connection with fraud.
Two men, aged 22 and 22, and a 44-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences.
All five due in court today
They are due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and Glasgow Sheriff Court today, Monday 22 April.
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Detective Sergeant Dave Williamson, of the Cyber-Enabled Crime Team, said: “Police Scotland is committed to tackling cyber-enabled organised crime and this operation underlines our dedication to the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Organised crime groups use technology to target victims, whom are often the most vulnerable people in our communities. These scams are not always easy to spot and anyone can be fooled.
"If in doubt hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.
“If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of cyber-enabled crime, the circumstances can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”