Czech police have accused a 35-year-old man from Trebičsko of posing as a woman on internet dating sites and luring victims into paying money, causing more than 5 million korun in damage. Investigators say the scheme targeted at least 10 men aged 33 to 53 across the country. The alleged fraud ran from autumn 2019 to spring this year, with the accused allegedly promising to repay the sums. Police started looking into the case after receiving reports from two victims in Vysočina in spring. In both cases, the online profile acted like a woman and built trust before asking for financial help. The alleged requests followed a similar pattern. The fake woman claimed her former partner had left debts that she had to repay, said she faced enforcement proceedings, or described herself as a single mother needing money for medical care for her son. In other messages, she allegedly asked for cash for a deposit to secure new housing. The profiles increasingly became more personal, with exchanges of photos, promises of an in-person meeting, and talk of a shared future. During the investigation, police determined that the same man was behind the “female” profiles. He allegedly created accounts on several dating sites and communicated with victims under names including “Kateřina” and “Nikol Fialová.” In some cases, he allegedly contacted victims first, in others he replied to their messages. Based on the evidence collected, a criminal case was opened for fraud. The accused is charged with causing damage of a significant amount. Police say he has been sentenced before for fraud. Police say the accused is being held at liberty as the case continues. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.