Victims of a major online fraud targeting clients of BIL have begun organising themselves, as the bank files a complaint with prosecutors and admits it may take years for stolen funds to be recovered.
On Sunday afternoon, a first meeting will be held with a number of victims of the fraud case at BIL. More than 20 people, all of whom had thousands of euros stolen through a fake website of the bank, had come together over the summer in the hope of recognition and compensation.
Just a few hours before the planned information meeting on Sunday afternoon, BIL sent out a press release. At the very beginning of the statement, the bank emphasises its commitment against cybercrime and that it would do everything possible to support the victims, some of whom are in serious difficulty.
Part of the stolen money has in the meantime been recovered. How much has not been specified. The overall extent of the fraud also remains officially unclear. For some victims, the money was transferred abroad so quickly that it is gone.
The press release also reveals that BIL has filed a complaint with the public prosecutor and could itself constitute as a 'partie civile' (civil party in the legal proceedings). In addition, the bank says it has also lodged complaints with the foreign banks where the stolen money was transferred. It is now up to the judiciary to do its work. The bank does not hide the fact that it could take a long time and that it is uncertain whether people will get their money back.
