The Guardia Civil in Costa Teguise have arrested nine people (eight in Lanzarote and one in Gran Canaria) as part of Operation JIPIJAPA, an investigation centred on a private medical clinic in the area.

The detainees face charges of continued fraud, money laundering and belonging to a criminal organisation. The investigation began in February 2024 following a complaint over alleged healthcare irregularities.

Searches carried out at the clinic and at a related company in Madrid led to the seizure of extensive documentation and electronic devices, uncovering a network of fraudulent claims targeting both national and international travel insurance companies.

Those arrested, all employees of the medical centre, are also under investigation for a case of possible “negligent homicide” linked to the death of a foreign tourist.

Several insurance companies have joined the case as injured parties.