Austrian police are actively searching for Mariana M, a woman allegedly posing as a shaman to defraud people in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Following the discovery of over 10 million euros worth of cash and valuables at her property, authorities have issued a European arrest warrant.
Austrian Authorities Pursue Suspected Shaman Fraudster in Major Financial Scandal
Austrian Authorities Pursue Suspected Shaman Fraudster in Major Financial Scandal
A 44-year-old woman accused of conning victims out of millions is on the run as police seek information.
Austrian law enforcement is on the trail of a 44-year-old suspect, identified only as Mariana M, who has allegedly swindled numerous victims by posing as a shaman. This woman, who also went by the name Amela, is now the subject of a European arrest warrant as she faces serious charges related to financial fraud.
According to police reports, Mariana M was found with more than 10 million euros (around £8.3 million) in cash, jewellery, and gold during a raid on her residence in Mödling, near Vienna. In a shocking scheme, she purportedly convinced a victim that a family member was cursed and in imminent danger, demanding a staggering 730,000 euros for supposed ‘cleansing rituals’ to break this curse.
After receiving the money in multiple installments, Mariana allegedly severed all communication. Reports indicate that another individual later informed the victim that the accused had lapsed into a severe coma due to the effects of the rituals.
Franz Popp, Director of Police in Lower Austria, condemned the actions of fraudsters exploiting vulnerable individuals, stating, "In a world in which many people are looking for answers to the essential questions of life, profiteers have established themselves who claim to possess supernatural powers." In light of these developments, authorities are urging any additional victims to come forward and report their experiences to the Lower Austrian State Office of Criminal Investigation.
