OLIVIA, MN – Two suspects were arrested on Monday, February 17, 2025, in connection with an elaborate phone and computer scam that defrauded a local resident out of a substantial sum of cash.
According to the Olivia Police Department, the victim was initially targeted when their computer was compromised, leading them to believe they needed to hand over money to a courier. The victim complied on February 11, unknowingly falling for the scam. On February 17, the fraudsters attempted to extort an additional $40,000, prompting law enforcement intervention.
Shortly after 1:00 PM, officers responded to a report that the courier had arrived at the victim’s residence. With assistance from Renville County Deputies, authorities identified and apprehended two male suspects in a vehicle with out-of-state plates. Both were taken into custody on fraud-related charges and are currently being held at the Renville County Jail. One suspect also faces an immigration hold by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Authorities warn that scams of this nature are highly sophisticated, urging residents to be cautious and verify suspicious financial requests with trusted sources or law enforcement.
