A public relations specialist arrested in connection with the Final Four scam in Abu Dhabi was reportedly making plans to flee the country. She also scammed a person with disabilities.
The suspect, a former journalist who branded herself as a PR and travel agent, was apprehended on Thursday by the Organized Crime Unit after deceiving numerous individuals by collecting payments for trips abroad that were never executed.
She was found at a hotel in central Athens, where sources indicate she was hiding with the intent to escape. The fraudulent activities are believed to exceed €120,000, and she faces serious felony charges.
A statement from the Hellenic Police (ELAS) revealed that over 50 individuals fell victim to her schemes, with the agent allegedly earning more than €160,000 since May 2024, when her fraudulent activities reportedly began.
ELAS Statement on the Arrest
The Financial Crimes Subdivision of the Organized Crime Directorate arrested a Greek citizen on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Athens, under a warrant for repeated fraud exceeding €120,000, alongside money laundering charges.
Investigations showed that since May 2024, the accused misled her victims with false claims, asserting she could organize affordable leisure trips. She collected money for travel expenses, including airline tickets and hotel accommodations, which were never arranged.
Using the upcoming Final Four basketball matches as bait, she approached potential victims, promising to secure tickets and complete travel packages.
Through this method, she defrauded at least 50 people, amassing a total income of over €160,000.
New Fraud Case Involving a Person with Disabilities
Her arrest is part of a larger pattern of complaints, including a recent case involving a person with disabilities who entrusted her to purchase a wheelchair and arrange trips. The victim reported that she asked the accused to procure an electric wheelchair for Easter 2024. After paying in full, the product was delayed for almost a year.
“I have mobility issues and paid for an electric wheelchair through her, which I never received. Despite my numerous inquiries, she insisted the delay was due to customs. Finally, a year later, she delivered it to my home at 3 a.m.,” the victim shared with protothema.gr.
But the problem didn’t end there. They also planned a group trip to Iceland, with five people who prepaid based on the promise that necessary accommodations for disabilities would be provided. However, the group arrived to find no hotel reservations, return tickets, or transportation—despite full payment.
“She embezzled our money for the Iceland trip, claiming to offer support for disabilities. There was none—we ended up without a hotel, return tickets, or transportation, even though we paid everything upfront.”
This complaint also covers two additional trips—to Lemnos and the Maldives—that were likewise never executed despite being fully paid for.
“We’re Already Joining the Group Lawsuit—My Friends and I, Along With Many Others”
As reported previously by protothema.gr, the woman employed a consistent strategy to gain her clients’ trust. Initially, she offered seemingly successful trips with minimal complications, creating a façade of reliability and professionalism. As a result, subsequent transactions—often involving pricier packages—were made with little hesitation.
The complainant recalled traveling with her on two occasions, remaining cautious as tickets were typically issued just hours before departure. Although this raised concerns, initial positive experiences reassured them.
During each interaction, she assured the victim—who has mobility issues—that all necessary amenities would be provided. Unfortunately, these promises went unfulfilled in later trips, leaving the victim in distressing situations.
The connection with the accused came through a mutual acquaintance who had traveled with her previously, lending an air of credibility. The offered packages featured remarkably low prices compared to market rates, which the victim described as “extremely tempting,” claiming that the PR agent had access to exclusive booking platforms for discounted airline tickets and luxury hotels.
For instance, one notable offer was an 11-day trip to Iceland, which included flights, car rental, and accommodation for €1,600 per person—whereas similar trips through conventional agencies would cost over €3,500. This financial incentive, paired with assurances of professional service and personal attention, convinced many to place their trust in her—until the reality of unfulfilled promises emerged.
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