In a dramatic case highlighting the dangers of online trading, Austrian police are hunting a group of suspects following a violent robbery linked to a fake Facebook Marketplace transaction. The incident, which began in Vienna, escalated into a high-speed cross-border pursuit.
The ordeal unfolded when a seller, attempting to finalise the sale of a mobile phone, agreed to meet the supposed buyer. The meeting, however, was a trap. The victim was violently assaulted and robbed by multiple individuals before the perpetrators fled the scene.
Launching an immediate investigation, Vienna police tracked the suspects' vehicle as it sped westwards out of the city. The chase continued along the A1 motorway, covering over 300 kilometres towards the country's western border.
Authorities in the state of Salzburg were alerted and attempted to intercept the fleeing car. Despite their efforts, the suspects managed to evade capture and successfully crossed the border into the Czech Republic.
This brazen crime has sparked a significant alert amongst European law enforcement agencies. Austrian authorities have notified their Czech counterparts and are collaborating on the cross-border investigation to apprehend those responsible.
The case serves as a stark warning to the public about the potential risks of arranging meetings with strangers through online marketplaces. Police advise always choosing safe, well-lit, and public spaces for such exchanges, preferably with a friend present.
