Seven charged after major scam involving fake return of packages targeting Amazon and Leroy Merlin
A large-scale scam, dubbed "Zulon," has recently led to seven individuals being charged, including six suspects involved in fraudulent returns of packages from prominent retailers like Amazon and Leroy Merlin. The scheme came to light after an initial charge was made in February, with additional suspects indicted this week in Paris. The financial damages caused by the scam are still being evaluated, but it is estimated that they could exceed 15 million euros, with reports suggesting the total might even reach 30 million euros between 2021 and 2025.
The scam began after La Poste filed a complaint in March 2024 about fraudulent returns being reported by one of its mail carriers. A cybersecurity investigation uncovered a Telegram loop used by the scammers to arrange for the false returns. This loop allowed retailers to issue refunds for goods that were never returned, with insufficient checks and controls in place on their part.
A major suspect, believed to be the administrator of the Telegram loop, was arrested in France in February 2025. The individual, a young man in his twenties, had been living in Dubai but was apprehended during a visit to his family in France. Described as a tech-savvy individual, the suspect was reportedly motivated by anti-capitalist views. Despite his entrepreneurial background, he is not considered an activist.
The suspects, including a mail carrier and several administrators, have been charged with organized fraud, money laundering, and managing platforms facilitating illicit transactions. Some of the individuals involved are currently in pretrial detention, while others are under judicial supervision.
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