In a bizarre tale straight out of a comedy sketch, a 50-year-old Lithuanian man in Spain has been arrested for faking heart attacks at upscale restaurants to dodge hefty bills. Over the past year, this individual reportedly executed his theatrical scam 20 times in the city of Alicante, leaving a trail of unpaid tabs and bewildered restaurant staff.
The Scheme
The man, whose name has not been disclosed, earned notoriety for ordering expensive dishes like lobster, premium whiskeys, and seafood paella before staging his “medical emergencies.” His performances included dramatically collapsing to the floor and clutching his chest, leaving restaurant staff scrambling to assist him instead of handing over the bill.
The man’s antics recently came to a head at El Buen Comer, a popular restaurant in Alicante’s historic district. After devouring seafood paella and two whiskeys, his bill came to €34.85 (around $36.75). When confronted by staff about payment, he claimed he needed to fetch cash from his hotel room. Suspicious, staff denied his request, prompting his dramatic “heart attack.”
The Arrest
Unlike before, the staff weren’t fooled. They immediately called the police, who recognized the man as a repeat offender. Officers dismissed his medical act after confirming he was perfectly healthy and escorted him to jail.
According to local reports, the man’s habit of pretending to be a “typical Russian tourist” and his dramatic flair had made him infamous in Alicante. His penchant for designer clothes and linguistic versatility made his scam all the more convincing, but his over-the-top theatrics ultimately led to his downfall.
Legal Fallout
Restaurant owners in Alicante are joining forces to file a joint criminal complaint, seeking a two-year prison sentence. While his previous offenses were considered “minor crimes,” authorities are now exploring harsher penalties to deter such behavior.
Interestingly, the man was reportedly unfazed by his arrests, often greeting officers with a smile, indicating that he viewed his short jail stints as minor inconveniences. However, his growing infamy and repeated arrests may finally lead to a more significant punishment.
A Warning for Restaurants
The owner of El Buen Comer has shared the man’s photo with other local restaurants to warn them about his antics. As this peculiar story makes headlines, restaurant staff across Alicante remain vigilant for any customers with suspiciously dramatic tendencies.
