Fake American plumber arrested

Tuesday, 14 September 2021 04:56

A man known as the ‘fake American plumber’ has been arrested in Zurich and retuned to Geneva where he faces several charges of fraud and robbery.

The 38-year-old US national is said to be responsible for around 20 cases of theft between 2017 and 2020 in the French speaking areas of the country.

Police say he would identify a victim on the streets and then call at their homes saying he’d been sent by the canton to check the plumbing.

He would then ask the home owner to help him check while he would steal cash, bank cards and other valuables before leaving.

In an initial court hearing the man has admitted to many of the charges.

More from Bitesize News

Heavy snow causes chaos

Heavy snowfall across central parts of the country brought chaos, cancelled trains, blocked roads and children building snowmen on the autoroute.
Geneva car tax issue dominates Grand Council

Although it wasn’t on the agenda for last night’s meeting of the Geneva Grand Council, the issue of the new vehicle tax dominated proceedings.
Franc strongest against euro

It’s good news for cross border shopping and frontaliers – the franc has reached its highest level against the Euro.
SRG/SSR faces massive cuts

Are the days numbered for public service broadcasting?
People now back nuclear power

A new survey suggests public opinion towards nuclear power has changed dramatically.
4m e-vignettes sold

Four million people last year chose to forgo the sticky mess of a vignette on their car and bought an electronic one instead.