A delivery prank became an alleged campaign of intimidation.
SZCZECIN, POLAND
Polish cybercrime officers have arrested a 23 year old man suspected of using fraudulent food orders to harass residents, public figures and businesses across several cities. Investigators allege that he repeatedly placed cash on delivery orders using other people’s names and addresses without their knowledge. Some requests included private information about the intended recipients, as well as messages containing threats. The suspect could face up to eight years in prison if convicted of stalking, identity fraud and causing financial losses.
One of the most extreme orders involved approximately 300 pizzas valued at more than 37,000 zlotys, equivalent to about €8,500. Restaurants did not complete every request because some orders were too large to prepare or appeared suspicious. Nevertheless, authorities say the scheme forced businesses to commit ingredients, employee time and delivery resources to purchases that recipients had never requested. The incidents affected establishments as well as individuals confronted unexpectedly by couriers demanding payment.
Police said the delivery instructions contained references to abducting a minor, setting fire to a notary’s office and causing a road accident. Investigators believe certain descriptions included details known only to the victims or people close to them, increasing their sense of vulnerability. The suspect allegedly used personal information belonging to politicians and media personalities while arranging some deliveries. Most of the activity targeted addresses in Szczecin, although authorities recorded additional incidents in Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław.
Officers from Poland’s Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime and the Szczecin municipal police detained the suspect at his home. Electronic devices and data storage equipment were seized for forensic examination to determine how the orders were created and whether other people were involved. A court ordered the man to remain in custody for two months while the investigation continues. The case demonstrates how ordinary digital services can be converted into instruments of harassment when platforms lack effective identity checks, unusual order detection and safeguards for cash payments.
We connect facts, causes and consequences. / Conectamos hechos, causas y consecuencias.