By Milcah Tanimu
A notorious scammer, whose modus operandi involved dining at restaurants and then faking heart attacks to evade paying bills, has been apprehended after a string of incidents in Spain’s Costa Blanca region.
The unidentified Lithuanian man targeted restaurants in the area, indulging in meals and drinks only to feign a heart attack when presented with the bill. His dramatic collapses had allowed him to dodge payments until his recent encounter at El Buen Comer, a restaurant in Alicante.
After consuming seafood paella and whisky, the man attempted to leave without paying the 34.85 euros ($37) bill. When confronted by the staff, he resorted to his usual act, clutching his chest and dramatically collapsing on the floor. However, this time, the restaurant’s management saw through his ruse and contacted the police.
Upon police arrival, the scammer insisted on medical assistance. Unfortunately for him, the officers recognized him as the perpetrator of similar incidents in Alicante back in November 2022. On those occasions, he had spent brief periods in jail after being caught.
Now facing legal consequences, the man may end up serving a two-year sentence, as all the defrauded restaurants are uniting to pursue collective legal action against him, aiming to put an end to his dine-and-dash spree.**
