A cunning con man has taken "dine and dash" to a dramatic new level in the sunny locales of Alicante, Spain.
Known as "El Gastrojeta," the Lithuanian national has finally been arrested for faking heart attacks in restaurants to evade paying his bills, with a staggering 20 different instances reported, the New York Post reported.
Aidas J., 50, currently resised in Alicante, where he has employed theatrics worthy of a telenovela in order to avoid putting his hand in his wallet. Reportedly portraying a "typical Russian tourist", Aidas would indulge in scrumptious meals, often rounding off with his favorite Russian Salad, only to feign serious health crises as the check arrived.
And his bizarre streak is somewhat prolific, starting back in November 2022, with the most recent incident occurring on September 19, as per Spain’s EFE news agency.
In his latest escapade at El Buen Comer - a popular eatery in Alicante's historic district - Aidas enjoyed seafood paella and a couple of whiskeys, racking up a bill of approximately $36.80. However, the plot unfolded all too familiarly when the time came to settle the check.
Aidas carried out his act in Alicante, Spain. Credit: Sergio Formoso / GettyAidas, clad in designer gear and known for speaking several languages, attempted to leave the restaurant without paying, but was confronted by staff. After informing them that he needed to retrieve his wallet from his hotel room, reports state that workers at the restaurant started to become skeptical.
Then... action!
Aidas reportedly threw himself to the floor and pretended to suffer a medical emergency. The restaurant owner, Moisés Doménech, went on to describe the scene as very theatrical, per The US Sun.
But despite being slumped on the floor, staff weren't convinced by his performance, and they soon called the police.
When officers arrived at the restaurant, they recognized Aidas from previous arrests and soon dismissed his requests for an ambulance. After confirming that there was nothing wrong with him, they escorted Aidas to the local police station.
Credit: Commercial Eye / GettyDespite being placed in handcuffs, Aidas was said to be smiling as he was being taken away.
Following the incident, Doménech shared a photo of Aidas with other nearby restaurants, cautioning them against this notorious scammer. Local establishments, tired by his antics, have now consolidated their grievances and are planning to file a joint criminal complaint against the con man - calling for a two-year imprisonment sentence.
What's more, Aidas' arrest has also led to a 42-day incarceration for two unpaid fines.
But due to Aidas' antics only ever being considered as "minor crimes", a local lawyer said it would be difficult to sentence Aidas to a lengthier prison sentence, per The Sun - highlighting the complexity and issues surrounding repeat offenders for petty crime.
