Austrian police are on the hunt for a suspect accused of defrauding victims under the guise of a shamanic healer. The woman, identified only as "Mariana M," is a 44-year-old Austrian citizen believed to have tricked individuals into paying substantial amounts of money for fictitious cleansing rituals. Authorities have issued a European arrest warrant for her as they investigate scams that may have affected individuals across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
The police uncovered more than 10 million euros (approximately £8.3 million) in cash, jewelry, and gold during a search of her residence in Mödling, a town close to Vienna. Mariana, also known by the name Amela, reportedly manipulated at least one victim by claiming that a family member had been cursed and predicting their premature death. In a desperate attempt to avert this supposed fate, the victim was coerced into handing over an astonishing 730,000 euros in staggered payments for the alleged rituals.
After receiving the funds, Mariana ceased all communication with the victim. In a bizarre twist, another accuser contacted the victim, stating that the rascal “shaman” had lapsed into a coma due to the very ritual she had performed.
Franz Popp, Director of Police in Lower Austria, emphasized the alarming trend of scammers exploiting vulnerable individuals who seek solace and answers during trying times. He urged anyone else who might have fallen prey to this deceitful scheme to come forward and report their experiences to the Lower Austrian State Office of Criminal Investigation.
