In Alicante, Spain, a man named Aidas J., a 50-year-old Lithuanian, was arrested after he repeatedly faked heart attacks in order to avoid paying restaurant bills. Aidas became notorious among local establishments for this unusual scheme, which he had been pulling off since November 2022. His tactic involved ordering a hearty meal, often ending with a Russian Salad, and then feigning a dramatic health emergency as soon as it was time to settle the bill. Restaurant staff, concerned for his well-being, would call for medical assistance, allowing him to be whisked away without paying.
Aidas’s con came to an end at the popular El Buen Comer restaurant in Alicante’s historic district. After enjoying a meal of seafood paella and whiskey, he claimed he needed to retrieve his wallet from his hotel room. However, the staff, familiar with his reputation, grew suspicious. When confronted, Aidas staged another of his theatrical collapses, pretending to be seriously ill. The restaurant owner, Moisés Doménech, described the scene as quite dramatic, but unlike previous occasions, the staff didn’t buy his act and instead called the police./im
When the officers arrived, they immediately recognized Aidas from his prior escapades. His requests for an ambulance were dismissed, and after confirming there was no medical emergency, they escorted him to the local police station. Despite the situation, Aidas appeared unfazed, even smiling as he was led away in handcuffs. His nonchalant attitude suggested he was well aware of the minor consequences he faced for his recurring scam, which had only ever been treated as a series of small offenses.
The incident prompted Doménech to circulate Aidas’s photo among other nearby restaurants, warning them about the scam artist. Frustrated by his repeated behavior, several local establishments have joined forces to file a collective complaint, pushing for a two-year prison sentence. However, according to a local lawyer, imposing a lengthy prison term for these minor crimes could prove challenging, highlighting the difficulties in dealing with repeat offenders of petty offenses. Aidas also had to serve a 42-day sentence for unpaid fines, further complicating his situation.
This case underscores the limitations of the legal system when dealing with persistent petty criminals. While Aidas’s antics were disruptive and frustrating for restaurant owners, they were not considered severe enough to warrant significant jail time. It raises questions about how to effectively handle such cases to prevent them from recurring without overburdening the legal system with relatively minor crimes. Meanwhile, the local community remains vigilant, hoping that the increased awareness will deter others from attempting similar stunts.
