Man arrested in Parla over 'distressed relative' scam: five arrested in nationwide operation
National Police dismantle a network dedicated to the 'distressed relative' scam with five arrests in five different cities.
Operation against the 'distressed relative' scam: five arrests in five cities
The Cybercrime Group of the National Police in Valladolid has dismantled an organised gang dedicated to the 'distressed relative' scam, according to cadenaser.com. The operation resulted in five arrests in Alicante, Lloret de Mar (Girona), Parla, Valladolid and Vigo, and the identification of six further individuals.
The case was triggered following a complaint from a 69-year-old woman from Valladolid, from whom the scammers stole €94,000 via WhatsApp by impersonating a family member who urgently needed money.
The gang leader operated from the same city as the victim. Other detainees acted as 'money mules' from different cities, transferring funds between accounts in exchange for a fixed amount. According to investigators, the money ended up in countries such as France or the United Kingdom, and the leader carried out circular transfers to make tracing difficult.
The Valladolid Police Headquarters considers the investigation closed following the arrests and the placement of those arrested at the disposal of the courts.
The authorities recommend verifying directly with the affected family member by calling their usual phone number if any requests for urgent money are received via messaging. They also advise against trusting requests for immediate transfers and suggest asking the person questions whose answers only the supposedly impersonated family member could know.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)