Two arrested for scam targeting holidaymakers in South Tenerife
Two people have been arrested in Adeje, in the south of Tenerife, on suspicion of fraud, theft and extortion offences worth around €285,000. Police say the suspects built personal relationships with victims to gain their trust before carrying out the crimes.
Officers from the National Police have launched an investigation after a woman reported her mobile phone stolen at a nightlife venue in Playa de las Américas. She was later contacted by another woman she had met that same night, who offered to help recover the device.
Police found that the woman acted as a go-between, claiming a third party had the phone and demanding money for its return. Officers were able to identify both suspects involved in the alleged extortion and recover the stolen mobile.
Further enquiries linked the female suspect to a previous ongoing fraud case reported by another victim. Investigators also found evidence suggesting involvement in additional offences, including thefts from homes and the fraudulent use of bank cards.
A court authorised a search of the suspect’s home, where officers seized documents, electronic devices, bank cards, passports and other items reported stolen. Analysis of financial records revealed repeated unauthorised withdrawals and transfers, including large amounts of money.
Police say the suspects used a method based on gaining victims’ confidence to access sensitive information, steal belongings and carry out fraudulent transactions. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
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