Couple Arrested in Torrevieja and Alicante for Violent Mobile Phone Theft and fraud
- A couple, a 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, were arrested for violent phone robbery and fraud in Alicante province.
- The suspects stole a high-end mobile phone from a victim during a late-night call and used it to access bank accounts, causing €2,270 in losses.
- Police investigation was aided by recovered documents found in a bag accidentally dropped by the female suspect.
- A third accomplice impersonated a public official to deceive the victim and obtain personal data.
- The suspects conducted multiple unauthorized bank operations in alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, and Torrevieja.
In a clear reminder of the dangers involved in smartphone theft, Spanish authorities arrested a young couple for violently robbing a woman of her mobile phone in Alicante and committing fraud by accessing her bank accounts. The case highlights how criminals utilize technological sophistication and social engineering tactics to maximize financial harm.
Details of the Incident
the incident took place in the early morning hours in Alicante city when the victim was walking while engaged in a phone call. According to the police report, a man suddenly snatched her phone aggressively and ran off. Meanwhile, a woman who was accompanying him held the victim back to prevent her from pursuing the thief.
Interestingly, during the escape, the female suspect accidentally dropped a handbag containing important identification documents, including a passport. This oversight helped the police quickly identify the perpetrators and advance their investigation.
Modus Operandi of the fraudsters
The investigation by the Policía Nacional revealed that the two suspects had pre-selected their victim and waited for an opportune moment when she was distracted by a phone call. The goal was to steal an unlocked, powered-on phone providing immediate access to personal and banking information.
- After stealing the phone, the male suspect used it to pay for a taxi fare during their escape.
- He cleverly kept the phone unlocked by bridging it with his own device’s speakers, simulating a call with the victim to avoid the phone’s automatic locking.
- A third individual joined the scam by impersonating a public official from the lost and found office, contacting the victim to calm her down and obtain sensitive personal data, including her national identity number (DNI).
- Using the gained access and personal information,the criminals changed the online banking passwords and performed multiple unauthorized transactions.
Financial Impact and Locations of Fraudulent Operations
The suspects traveled between various banking institutions in Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, and Torrevieja to carry out fraudulent operations charged directly to the victim’s accounts.The total financial damage is estimated at €2,270.
| Location | Type of Operation | Estimated Loss (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Alicante | Unauthorized bank transactions | 1,000 |
| Sant Vicent del Raspeig | Card payments and transfers | 700 |
| Torrevieja | Cash withdrawals and online payments | 570 |
| Total | 2,270 |
arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The Policía Nacional arrested both suspects separately: the man in Torrevieja and the woman in Alicante. Authorities confiscated a high-end mobile phone reportedly used as the primary tool for executing the fraud.
The 24-year-old man has been formally charged with violent robbery and fraud and was handed over to the Alicante court of instruction. The investigation continues to determine the full extent of the criminal network, including the involvement of the third suspect responsible for the impersonation scam.
Tips to Protect yourself from Mobile Phone Theft and Fraud
- Stay alert: Avoid using your phone in late-night or isolated areas.
- Lock your phone: Always secure devices with passwords or biometric locks.
- be cautious with calls and messages: Verify unsolicited contacts, especially those asking for personal details.
- Set up two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to online bank accounts.
- Report immediately: In case of theft or suspicion, file a report quickly to minimize damage.
This case serves as an important warning about the sophisticated nature of mobile phone theft and the devastating cascading effects it can have on victims’ finances and privacy.