A man who posed as a Spanish count and a healer was found guilty in Poland after a string of deceptive confidences and fake credentials. The case drew wide attention as stories emerged of how easily some people could be misled by a well-dressed stranger offering extraordinary promises.
In court, the defendant, a 62-year-old man identified as Zdzislaw M., presented himself as a wealthy aristocrat from Spain and even claimed to be Antonio Banderas’ father-in-law. He also asserted that he owned a clinic near Geneva and boasted that he could cure cancer through a controversial method involving orgasm. The elaborate tale was designed to persuade women to part with their money by promising rapid, life-changing medical solutions. He charged about 1,300 zlotys for his promised cures, a sum that many believed was a worthwhile investment for relief from serious illness, but it ultimately funded his own lifestyle rather than any real treatment.
The victims were often approached in public places such as train stations or airports, where the man used charm and impressive-looking possessions to gain trust. He displayed photographs of luxury cars and exotic trips to prove his supposed wealth and credibility. He persuaded his targets to pay for plane tickets or urgent medical procedures, claiming these investments would secure their future health and happiness. The scammer would then thank the women for their generosity and invite them to visit his mansion in Spain, where more elaborate promises and demonstrations supposedly awaited them.
Authorities eventually tracked him down in Warsaw after he defrauded two new acquaintances out of roughly 20,000 zlotys. The court subsequently sentenced him to one year and eight months in prison. During the investigation, it emerged that the man had a history of legal trouble, having been tried in 2010 on charges of fraud and sexual harassment. At that time, he had posed as a gynecologist, telling unsuspecting victims that they were ill and offering supposed treatments that required implied sexual activity. The pattern demonstrated a willingness to exploit medical fears and intimate vulnerabilities to extract money from vulnerable individuals.
There are other reports of similarly bold cons that have surfaced in different regions, where some individuals present multiple identities to widen their reach. In these cases, the scammers often craft narratives that blend legitimate-looking credentials with seemingly compassionate intentions. The method hinges on creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging targets to act quickly and with little time to verify details through ordinary channels. Observers note that the appeal of wealth, glamour, and expert authority creates a powerful lure for people who want to believe in a quick path to wellness or prosperity.
Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies repeatedly stress the importance of verifying such extraordinary claims. Basic checks—consulting independent medical professionals, confirming licenses and clinic locations, and seeking second opinions—can prevent falling prey to similar schemes. Victims are advised to pause before sending money, especially when offered appointments, travel arrangements, or medical procedures that require fast action. In the wake of cases like this, communities are urged to maintain skepticism about individuals who blend romance or sympathy with overt displays of wealth and influence. When doubts arise, it is prudent to conduct thorough background checks and seek trusted advice rather than committing funds to unverified ventures.