Operation 'Scooby': 20 arrested for defrauding customers through pet sales online
The National Police dismantled a criminal network that posted fake adverts for puppies on social media. The fraud is estimated to exceed €50,000 across Spain.
Twenty arrested for selling fake puppies on digital platforms
The National Police have arrested 20 people accused of fraud, identity theft and membership in a criminal organisation, according to ABC. The operation, named "Scooby", was carried out jointly by the Organised Crime Group of the Superior Command for the Basque Country in Bilbao and the Cybercrime Group of the Judicial Police Brigade at the Provincial Police Station in Jaén.
The organisation posted fraudulent adverts on popular social media and second-hand sales platforms, where it offered puppies of the most in-demand breeds at very low prices—even free when presented as adoption. This pricing strategy served as bait to attract potential victims, who were directed to continue contact through a mobile phone number provided by the network itself.
Once communication was established, members of the organisation sent photographs of the animals and provided detailed information about the puppies to dispel the doubts of more sceptical buyers. They then resorted to a variety of pretexts to request small payments: travel insurance, customs duties, pet carrier costs or veterinary bills. Payments were made via Bizum and victims never received the pet.
Network with operational capacity across Spanish territory
During the investigation, officers identified more than thirty people acting as "mules"—holders of bank accounts used to receive the illegal payments—belonging mostly to marginalised groups. Although the organisation was based in Bizkaia, it operated throughout the country. The regions with the highest number of victims were Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, Andalusia and the Valencian Community.
The total fraud is estimated at over €50,000. After being arrested and taken to police facilities, several of those detained already had criminal records. The judicial authority ordered the release of all of them pending charges.
Advice from the National Police
The National Police emphasised that although the modus operandi of this type of fraud is not new, many people continue to fall victim to these organisations' schemes. The force recommends taking extreme caution with overly attractive offers on the internet, being suspicious of adverts that do not allow the animal to be seen in person, and always verifying the seller's identity. It also advises against making unnecessary advance payments.
Source: ABC