Two Romanians were sentenced to four and three years in prison in the Netherlands for stealing cards from vulnerable elderly people, being required to compensate for the damage.

The court in Groningen sentenced two Romanian citizens for stealing bank cards from elderly individuals, imposing sentences of four and three years in prison, respectively. The crimes were considered by the magistrates to have a deeply disrespectful behavior towards vulnerable victims. The two thieves used a well-organized scheme, approaching the elderly in supermarkets and distracting them by methods such as throwing ketchup on their clothes, in order to observe their PIN codes. After stealing the cards, the victims' accounts were quickly emptied.

The identification of the thieves occurred following a report made by a supermarket manager, and the evidence collected, including surveillance footage and confessions, was decisive. The court also ordered restitution of the damages, with the main defendant being required to pay nearly 20,000 euros. The judge emphasized their outrageous behavior, which took advantage of the vulnerability of the elderly. The two remain in custody, with the possibility of appealing the sentence within 14 days.