One man who believed he had found the secret to becoming the ultimate "dine and dasher" finally saw his streak come to an end in spectacular fashion.
Credit: Commercial Eye / Getty
Taking place across the Spanish city of Alicante, 50-year-old Lithuanian national Aidas J. thought he had found the ultimate way to avoid paying the bill at restaurants.
Relying on his drama skills, Aidas learned that he could avoid putting his hand in his wallet if staff took pity on him. That's when he started to fake a heart attack - causing employees at the restaurants to call for medical assistance and see Aidas carted away without paying the bill.
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.
The New York Post reported that Aidas first started swindling restaurants back in November 2022, but all that came to an end when he dined at El Buen Comer - a popular eatery in Alicante's historic district - last September.
Aidas carried out his act in Alicante, Spain. Credit: Sergio Formoso / Getty
After Aidas enjoyed seafood paella and a couple of whiskeys, he had racked up a bill of approximately $36.80. However, the plot unfolded all too familiarly when the time came to settle the check.
Spain’s EFE news agency states that Aidas - who was 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.
Despite being placed in handcuffs, Aidas was said to be smiling as he was being taken away by police.
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 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.
So, the next time you realize you can't afford your check at the restaurant, just offer to do the washing up rather than asking for an ambulance.
