The National Police have arrested a 37-year-old man in Tenerife on charges of fraud and falsifying a crime report, claiming he was the victim of two robberies to get 6,900 euros compensation from his insurance company.
The investigation began several months ago after the man filed a report (denuncia) with the police claiming that he was mugged in Santa Cruz, however, they couldn’t substantiate the incident and he later withdrew his complaint, prompting further investigation into his actions and motives.
A few weeks later, the same man, already under investigation, reported a burglary at his home to the police. However, according to a press release from the National Police, investigating officers once again found that the reported crime appeared to be false in an attempt to defraud his insurance company, this time for a compensation claim of 6,000 euros.
After talking to the insurance company, the police discovered that the man had previously received a 900-euro payout for the initially reported mugging, which he had later withdrawn.
Given the evidence, they arrested the man and after being questioned at police headquarters, he was brought before the judicial authorities.
The National Police remind the public that falsely reporting a crime, or knowingly claiming to be the victim or perpetrator of a non-existent crime, is an offence punishable by fines ranging from six to twelve months in prison.
