Further enquiries also revealed the men had fraudulently obtained cars using fake driving licences to disguise identities and movements.
Cheshire Constabulary said the Romanian criminal gang was arrested on August 18, 2026, after extensive CCTV enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Stephanie Bland, Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Rages, said: “This was a highly organised criminal enterprise that deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable members of the public for financial gain.
“While many victims suffered significant financial losses, the lasting impact on their confidence and wellbeing cannot be underestimated.
“Operation Rages was a complex investigation spanning multiple force areas, but in policing there are no borders, and even though a majority of these offences occurred outside of Cheshire, our officers were determined to identify those responsible for these crimes, bring them before the courts, and provide reassurance to victims and the wider public.
“We are determined to make Cheshire a hostile environment for criminals. We will continue to disrupt serious and organised crime, protect our communities, and ensure offenders face justice.”