A European arrest warrant has been issued for a woman in Austria, identified only as Mariana M, who allegedly deceived victims into paying for fake cleansing rituals, leading to over €10 million in stolen assets.
Austrian Police Hunt for Suspected Shaman Fraudster
Austrian Police Hunt for Suspected Shaman Fraudster
Authorities seek 44-year-old woman accused of defrauding victims through sham spiritual practices.
Austrian authorities are on the lookout for a woman suspected of masquerading as a shaman to con individuals out of staggering sums of money. The 44-year-old Austrian citizen, known only as Mariana M, has reportedly amassed a wealth exceeding 10 million euros (£8.3 million) in cash, jewelry, and gold, which was uncovered during a police search at her residence in Mödling, close to Vienna.
Mariana M is believed to have operated under the alias Amela, and her 29-year-old son has already been apprehended in Wiener Neustadt. Investigators suspect her fraudulent activities may have extended across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
One victim recounted a harrowing experience where Mariana M claimed a close relative was cursed and foretold impending death. To "lift" this alleged curse, Mariana demanded an exorbitant sum of 730,000 euros for supposed cleansing rituals. After receiving several installments, the suspect ceased all communication, leaving the victim in despair. Disturbingly, another individual later contacted the victim, alleging that the "shaman" had fallen into a coma due to the rituals.
Franz Popp, the Director of Police in Lower Austria, emphasized the vulnerability of individuals seeking guidance during challenging times, warning that profiteers often exploit this distress for personal gain. The police have urged any further victims to come forward and report their experiences to the Lower Austrian State Office of Criminal Investigation.
