NEWS FLASH
Belgrade’s Third Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested that a 36-year-old Romanian national be remanded in custody for up to one month on suspicion of prolonged payment card fraud on Air Serbia flights.
Prosecutors allege that between December 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026, the suspect made multiple onboard purchases, predominantly cigarettes and perfumes, on Air Serbia services from various destinations. He is accused of using other people’s payment cards without authorisation, thereby obtaining unlawful financial gain at the expense of duty-free provider Dufry. The total value of the purchases is estimated at around 1.700 euros.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the suspect presented his defence in the presence of a Romanian-language interpreter and legal counsel, denying the charges. Citing concerns over a potential risk of flight, the prosecution has asked the Third Basic Court in Belgrade to order his detention for up to thirty days while the investigation continues.
The case follows just days after another Romanian national, aged 45, was detained on suspicion of committing the same offence. He is alleged to have made unauthorised purchases worth approximately 4.600 euros on Air Serbia flights between September 1, 2025 and January 26, 2026.
Air Serbia only recently reintroduced duty-free sales on select flights.
Wow it's a scheme. However, 30 days detention for 1700 euro doesn't sound appropriate. Custody costs us all, these kind of investigation and trial must be quick, what do they need a month for...
ReplyDeleteBy the law, that is up to 30 days detention. Usually it takes shorter
DeleteMaybe they just want to send a strong message, that people shouldn't do this shit, at least not on JU planes.
DeleteRomanians cracked the code. The key problem is that JU does not have internet on board, therefore cant communicate with the bank at the moment of transaction. Passengers get the approved slip, however all transactions are processed at the end of the flight. Romanians figure that out and are making these crazy purchases and at the end these card get declined by which time they are already away.
ReplyDeleteI was writing here that's serious stupidity. It was just matter of time that someone will take advantage
DeleteTaking advantage of being in jail for 30 days, having to return the money, having a criminal record, possibly being banned from flights or entering the country? In today's world it doesn't take much to figure out flying criminal even if stolen cards are used. Extremely dumb.
DeleteThey only get a criminal record in Serbia. They can hide it from employers in Romania.
DeleteDon't you think employers will take action if you don't show up for work for 30 days?
DeleteWhy are you all assuming that they have a 9-5 job?! They might be some crooks living out of such and similar deals. However, I wonder can JU and Dufry protect themselves except for shutting down the whole thing
DeleteHow come you don't wonder if Ryan and Wizz can protect themselves?
Deletethe same as on wizzair or ryanair, not?
ReplyDeleteI think so. And like many parking machines. These are off-line transactions.
DeleteThere was a guy from UK who done this for yrs and fraud 200k. I watched a documentary about it and it was hilarious
ReplyDelete