Israel

Prosecutor Indicts French Immigrants in 9.1M Euro Scam

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 6:30 am | < 1 Minute Read

Israeli police say this building served as the headquarters of an international scam operation that duped global companies out of more than $10 million, in the coastal city of Netanya, Israel, Tuesday, June 7, 2016. The police said they have busted a new crime ring in which French and Italian immigrants posed as company executives to bilk millions of dollars from dozens of multinational giants, including Kia Motors, Hugo Boss and Chanel. The case suggests that the so-called fake CEO scam is still thriving in Israel, where Gilbert Chikli, the man widely credited with inventing it continues to evade French attempts to arrest him. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) — Police say this building in Netanyah served as the headquarters of an international scam operation that duped global companies out of more than $10 million. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israel’s state prosecutor has indicted four immigrants from France in a major international scam costing multinational companies about 9.1 million euros, or over $10 million.

Companies entangled in the scam include MediaMarkt, Electrolux, Bosch, Eldi, ICI Paris XL, Chanel and Kia Motors, according to the indictment.

Wednesday’s indictment says the con men presented themselves as executives of vendors who were owed money and convinced company employees to transfer the sums to bank accounts under their control.

The prosecutor also indicted two immigrants from Italy for helping the con men try to steal money from companies in Italy.

The case suggests that the so-called fake CEO scam is still thriving in Israel, where the man widely credited with pioneering it continues to evade attempts to arrest him.