Gang of fraudsters targeting victims in Tenerife exposed
A large-scale anti-fraud operation led by the Policía Nacional has resulted in the arrest of ten people in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with five already remanded in custody. The criminal network is believed to have defrauded at least 115 victims across Spain, stealing more than €1.1 million through sophisticated scams.
The investigation, launched in April, began when a victim in Tenerife reported being scammed through “son in trouble” messages and fraudulent bank alerts known as smishing and vishing, techniques designed to trick victims via text and instant messaging.
Working with specialist units in Barcelona, the police uncovered a highly organised network with national reach. The ten detainees, consisting of eight men and two women aged between 19 and 31, are facing charges of fraud, money laundering, membership of a criminal organisation, and crimes against public health.
The group allegedly operated using fake identities, multiple SIM cards and phones, and third-party bank accounts, often known as “money mules”, to move and launder stolen funds. During the raids, officers seized 28 mobile phones, over 150 communication lines, encrypted devices, computers, weapons, cash, drugs, bank cards, and cryptocurrencies.
The operational phase of the investigation was carried out with simultaneous raids on ten properties, including both homes and commercial premises.
Forensic analysis of the seized material revealed databases containing banking details of thousands of people, meaning that the number of potential victims may be much higher than currently known. Investigators also found multiple cryptocurrency wallet addresses, used to obscure the money trail.
The Police are continuing to analyse the evidence and track down other people linked to the network.
Citizens are reminded that they can anonymously report suspicious or criminal activity through the official website www.policia.es under the “Colabora” section, where information is handled confidentially by specialists.
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