Summary
- The Guardia civil arrested a couple in Torrevieja for an international telecommunications and cryptocurrency fraud.
- They used a fake telecom website to steal banking details from over 30 victims across Spain and Europe.
- Authorities seized 65 mobile phones, 87 SIM cards, 9 cryptocurrency wallets, and anonymous prepaid cards worth €12,000.
- The male suspect was remanded in custody, while the female suspect remains free with charges.
- Investigations continue as new international victims might potentially be identified.
Guardia Civil Busts Major International Crypto and Telecom Scam in Torrevieja
In a significant breakthrough, Spain’s Guardia Civil dismantled an elaborate fraud operation based in Torrevieja, Alicante, involving cryptocurrency wallets, cloned telecom websites, and virtual bank cards. The suspects, a man aged 44 and a woman aged 31, allegedly defrauded over 30 people across spain – with indications of victims extending internationally.
The Scam: How It Worked
The criminal duo operated a fraudulent website that perfectly mimicked a well-known multinational telecommunications company’s site. Victims trying to recharge their prepaid cards mistakenly entered their banking details into this counterfeit platform. Once obtained, these details were exploited to generate virtual bank cards through digital wallet services.
- virtual cards were used to make numerous purchases locally in Torrevieja.
- Stolen funds were moved digitally via cryptocurrency wallets.
- Fraudulent purchases included prepaid cards, cryptocurrency coupons, clothing, and food products.
According to Guardia Civil sources, the operation was sophisticated, involving not onyl Spanish victims but also international ones, as evidenced by the seizure of prepaid cards issued in countries including Cyprus, France, Greece, Lithuania, and Poland.
Inquiry and Arrests
The investigation began in July after a victim reported suspicious activity following the use of the fake website. Initially thought to be an isolated case, further probes expanded when multiple victims came forward. Surveillance and in-depth analysis led to the identification of the pair living in Torrevieja.
On August 13, authorities arrested the couple, who reportedly tried to conceal their identities with hats and sunglasses and traveled in a car with foreign plates not registered under their names.
Seized Evidence
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | 65 | Latest generation smartphones |
| SIM Cards | 87 | Anonymous prepaid SIMs |
| Laptops | Several | High-end devices |
| Cryptocurrency Wallets | 9 | for managing digital assets |
| Anonymous Prepaid Bank Cards | Unknown number | Valued at approximately €12,000 |
Current Legal Situation and Ongoing Investigations
The Torrevieja court ordered provisional imprisonment for the male suspect,while the female suspect was released but remains charged.The Guardia Civil continues to analyse all confiscated material to uncover more victims, potentially expanding the investigation internationally.
Protecting Yourself from Similar scams
To avoid falling victim to cloned websites and digital fraud,experts recommend:
- Always verify the URL and security certificates of websites before entering sensitive information.
- Use two-factor authentication on financial and telecom accounts.
- Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or messages urging immediate payment or data submission.
- Monitor bank and card statements regularly for unauthorized activity.
- Report suspected fraud immediately to authorities.
Conclusion
The Guardia Civil’s dismantling of this fraud ring highlights growing threats posed by cybercrime combining conventional scams with emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies and virtual cards. Victims across Spain and beyond serve as a reminder to remain vigilant when conducting transactions online – especially when involving telecom services or digital finance.
As the investigation progresses, further updates may reveal more about the operation’s scope and linkages to othre international fraud networks.
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