Fake Romantic Encounter Ends in Ambush for Menton Teenager

Fake Romantic Encounter Ends in Ambush for Menton Teenager - A 15-year-old high school student in Menton has been tricked into a dangerous situation after being contacted by someone on Snapchat, pretending to be a girl interested in a romantic encounter. The teenager, after several exchanges, agreed to meet the "girl" at the Menton train station on January 29th. However, upon arrival, he was met not by a girl, but by three other high school students who ambushed and extorted him. The attackers led the victim to the underground area of the station. There, they threatened him at gunpoint, using a saw to steal his mobile phone, wallet, and cap. They then took a train to Nice, leaving the victim traumatised.  Immediately after the attack, the teenager filed a complaint with the Menton police. Investigators were able to quickly identify the suspects through CCTV footage. Two of the attackers, aged 15 and 17, were arrested in front of their high school and a third suspect was caught in Nice.

The case raises concerns as it follows a similar extortion incident on a train just two weeks earlier. The police commissioner of Menton has called for greater vigilance and civic responsibility, urging witnesses to intervene or call for help during such crimes. He also advised young people to avoid meeting strangers from social media to prevent similar situations.