Police Crack Down on Tourist Scam Ring in Budapest’s Party District

In a significant operation on February 11, 2025, Hungarian law enforcement agencies dismantled a sophisticated criminal network operating in Budapest’s popular Party District. The group, consisting of five men and five women, is accused of defrauding foreign tourists through elaborate schemes involving overcharging for drinks in local bars.

The Investigation

The case began last year when the National Investigation Bureau of the Emergency Police (KR NNI) initiated a criminal investigation into fraud and other offenses. Information had surfaced about a criminal gang deceiving foreign tourists in Budapest bars by charging exorbitant amounts for drinks. The investigation combined several cases previously handled by the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK).

Through persistent efforts, detectives from the NNI and the BRFK 7th District Police Department identified the members of the fraud-specialized organization and exposed their activities.

The Scam

The criminal group operated with a hierarchical and conspiratorial structure. According to the allegations, female members of the group used a dating app to target their victims, typically affluent foreign men visiting Hungary. They would arrange meetings in Budapest’s 7th and 8th districts and invite the men to bars in the Party District.

At these establishments, the women would order expensive drinks in quick succession. Despite minimal consumption by the male victims, they were coerced into paying for all the alcohol ordered. The amounts charged on POS terminals were grossly disproportionate to the actual drinks consumed. In some cases, taking advantage of the victim’s inebriated state, multiple charges were made to their bank cards. One victim reportedly lost over one million forints (approximately 2,600 EUR) in a single night.

The Operation

On the morning of February 11, nearly 200 police officers participated in a coordinated operation across ten locations in Dunaharaszti and Budapest. The ten suspects were apprehended simultaneously, while searches were conducted at nine additional sites, including the bars where the crimes took place.

During the raids, authorities seized invoices, stamps, contracts, phones, POS terminals, and related documents. They also discovered gas and alarm weapons, as well as substances suspected to be narcotics. An ATM operating in one of the bars is also under investigation.

Asset Recovery

The Asset Recovery Office (VVH) of the KR NNI confiscated assets worth 100 million forints (about 260,000 EUR) from the suspects. These included cash, investment gold bars, jewelry, a motorcycle, and an electric scooter. Additionally, the VVH froze bank accounts and properties valued at another 100 million forints.

In an interesting twist, investigators uncovered 30 million forints (approximately 78,000 EUR) that one suspect had buried in their garden, hoping to evade detection in case of arrest.

Charges and Arrests

The five men and five women face more than 30 criminal charges, primarily for fraud committed as part of a criminal organization. Some charges also include theft committed through the misuse of cash-substitute payment instruments. Of the ten suspects, eight have been taken into custody, with authorities seeking their detention.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by popular tourist destinations in combating organized crime targeting visitors. It serves as a reminder for tourists to remain vigilant and for authorities to continue their efforts in ensuring the safety and security of both residents and visitors in Budapest’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Image source: police.hu