Two leaders of a criminal gang, Jon Quade and Nathnael Merkonen, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for defrauding elderly Swedes of 17 million kronor. The gang, consisting of 14 members, used call centers across multiple countries to deceive 139 victims. The court highlighted the organized and systematic nature of the crimes, which included severe fraud and assault.
Luxury Lifestyle Funded by Elderly Fraud: Leaders Sentenced to Prison
Luxury Lifestyle Funded by Elderly Fraud: Leaders Sentenced to Prison
They flaunted their luxurious travels around the world, funded by money swindled from the elderly. Now, the top figures of the gang, Jon Quade and Nathnael Merkonen, are sentenced to prison for 136 cases of fraud and aggravated assault.
– This is serious organized crime and brutal assault, says prosecutor Petter Lundgren.
Images from luxurious hotel suites, boat trips, and international cities – even tourist sites like the Egyptian pyramids.
The two fraudsters spared no expense, spending the 17 million kronor they, along with others in their 14-member gang, swindled from elderly people across Sweden.
“Top of the Hierarchy”
Now, the two leaders of the gang, which consisted of ten men and four women, are sentenced to long prison terms.
Nathnael Merkonen, 24, is sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison for 136 cases of aggravated fraud, serious money laundering, and particularly aggravated assault. He is described in the verdict as “top of the hierarchy.”
Jon Quade, 23, receives 8 years and 8 months in prison for 136 cases of aggravated fraud and particularly aggravated assault. He held a “leading position in the fraud operation,” according to the verdict.
The sentences are justified by the fact that the frauds were “preceded by special planning and carried out systematically and in an organized manner over a long period, entirely targeting elderly people who had particular difficulties defending themselves against the method,” the verdict states.
Call Centers in Multiple Countries
For the other twelve convicted in the case, sentences ranged from one and a half years to three years and ten months in prison.
From call centers in several different countries, the convicted swindled large sums of money from elderly people. Through hours-long calls, they got the victims to sign with Bank-ID, thereby approving transactions.
They collectively swindled over 17 million kronor from 139 people. This involved gold, cash, cryptocurrency, real estate, cars, and watches, according to the verdict.
– We are satisfied with the verdict. The district court has taken this crime seriously, says senior prosecutor and investigation leader Petter Lundgren at the National Unit for International and Organized Crime.
– This is not just a few isolated fraud cases, but serious organized crime that is dangerous for society, he says.
Assaulted a Caller
Merkonen and Quade, who according to prosecutors have led the crime, are also convicted of assaulting one of their callers. According to Petter Lundgren, it was about tightening work discipline at the call center.
– It is a very brutal and ruthless assault that we believe occurs within one of the call centers to instill the very strict discipline that the leaders demand of the callers, he says.
The fraud section of the West Police Region has investigated the case since spring 2023 and also collaborated internationally with police in other countries.
– Many of the crime victims have been harmed, both psychologically and financially, and this verdict hopefully gives them redress, says Viktor Lundberg, operational coordinator at the National Fraud Center, according to the police press release.