Trial 28-year-old convicted of fraud by Neuchâtel councillors
A young man who defrauded around 20 Neuchâtel cantonal parliamentarians from all political camps was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on Tuesday in a simplified trial. He must serve one year of this in prison.
14.01.2025, 11:38
SDA
The criminal court in La Chaux-de-Fonds followed the prosecution's request with the sentence imposed. Between 2022 and 2024, the 28-year-old defendant had ordered various items, including hair and beard trimmers, watches, jewelry, headphones and smartphones, in the name of the MPs.
Among other things, he used the postal details of his victims. He resold some of the goods, but the police found many of them in his apartment. The accused waited for the parcel delivery company and collected the mail before the victims arrived. Sometimes he gave a different delivery address to that of the defrauded person.
Initially, the defendant clearly targeted members of parliament, as their addresses were public at the time. However, the list of plaintiffs comprised a total of almost 90 names. The amount of the fraud varied between 100 francs and over 3000 francs.
Further crimes
The accused also committed several burglaries, including one in Colombier NE in May 2024, when he took various items and money worth CHF 39,000. He also stole money and bank cards after breaking into the secretariat of the parish of the Roman Catholic Church in Tramelan BE.
The accused was also charged with simple assault, threats and violence against police officers. Among other things, the young man punched a policewoman in the face in Neuchâtel and tried to bite a police officer.
