HYPNOTIC CRIMINAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 73, 27 March 1929, Page 23

HYPNOTIC CRIMINAL.

VICTIMS LOOT THEMSELVES.

PROBLEM FOR RTVXERA POLICE.

A hypnotist, who prevails on his victims to go to their banks, draw out their savings and turn them over to hiruv is being sought by the Riviera P i° +^ e * • man ' as y et unidentified, has obtained in this way several thousand francs. The most coherent story thus far given by a victim was "that of an Italian named Poladari. '-I was walking along the street," he said, _ "when a stranger asked me a direction and then suggested coffee at a nearby cafe. We chatted for about five minutes when I suddenly felt queer, though I had not touched my coffee I remember distinctly answering his questions regarding my monev, and wa* powerless to remain silent. "We then went to my employer's office where I drew a month's salary and handed it to him. He then toK , me to take him to my home and c v t mv cheque book. J , the j b P k T with <irew 6000 francs (£6O) and handed it to him. Then I sat on a sidewalk bench where he left me. It was two o'clock before I regained my will power although all the time I realised what I had done." Bank tellers verified the story and said Paladari seemed to be asleep walking, but they could not refuse him his own money when he insisted on having it. b