In October 2016, Marcin W. established a limited liability company, which was registered at a so-called virtual office in Wrocław. Through a website, he offered apartments for rent in attractive seaside locations.

Customers interested in the offer paid amounts ranging from several hundred to more than two thousand zlotys into one of the bank accounts provided by the accused. The scheme lasted from February to June 2017.

The company did not have any apartments at its disposal. The rental offers were fictitious. In total, more than 300 people were defrauded in this way, losing more than 235,000 zlotys.

Another company was established by Marcin W. in August 2017. This time, its president was Lech S. – the second accused. The company operated in a similar way to that described above. It offered apartments for rent in Zakopane, which the company, of course, did not have at its disposal. In September 2017, 10 people were defrauded in this way after paying deposits totaling more than 11,700 zlotys.

In addition, Marcin W. posted offers to sell electronic equipment, toys and other children’s accessories on popular online portals. After payment was made to the bank account indicated in the listing, the goods were not sent to the buyers. From August 2016 to January 2017, 13 people were harmed, losing a total of nearly 9,000 zlotys.

On 22 September 2017, on the orders of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Jelenia Góra, Marcin W. was arrested. Lech S. was subsequently arrested as well.

Marcin W. was charged with a total of 15 offences committed against more than 300 victims. He did not plead guilty.

Lech S. was charged with committing, together and in collusion with Marcin W., fraud against 10 people, which he admitted.

During the proceedings, at the request of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Jelenia Góra, Marcin W. was held in pre-trial detention for nearly four months from the time of his arrest. On 16 January 2018, this custodial preventive measure was subsequently changed by a decision of the Regional Court in Jelenia Góra to bail of 25,000 zlotys and police supervision.

Lech S. was subject to police supervision and a ban on leaving the country.

Neither accused had previously been convicted.

In December 2018, the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Jelenia Góra filed an indictment against Marcin W., charging him with internet fraud and other offences committed in 2013–2014 against more than 1,750 people. The court proceedings are still pending.

The offences with which Marcin W. is charged carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. Lech S. faces up to 12 years in prison.