Else Beekman
Spanish police have broken up an organised group in Málaga that faked traffic accidents to cash in on insurance claims. Thirty-two people, many linked by family ties, were arrested. Within just one month, the network filed six bogus reports, collecting nearly €244,000.
The scheme was uncovered after a private detective agency working for insurers flagged several suspicious claims. Officers from the Economic Crime Unit in Málaga launched Operation ‘Posto’. They discovered that ringleaders hand-picked drivers and passengers and prepared all the false paperwork.
Forgery at the heart of the fraud
Investigators found the fraud operated on two levels. The core organisers coordinated everything, while other members knowingly took part in exchange for a cut of the payouts. They used official European accident forms to make the claims look genuine.
Tracing money trails
Police traced the money moving between accounts and carried out covert surveillance to map connections. They also gathered evidence from insurance companies, local authorities, car hire firms, and security businesses. All signs pointed to a well-organised operation.
Rapid expansion of claims
As the scam progressed, it became more ambitious. While six months passed between the first two claims, later reports came in quick succession. The number of passengers involved in each incident also grew, inflating the compensation.
Tactics to avoid detection
The organisers eventually brought in more distant contacts to avoid suspicion and kept themselves in the background. None of the accidents were attended by police or witnessed independently. In some cases, they included old vehicle damage to push up repair costs.
A pyramid-style operation
Police described the fraud as resembling a pyramid scheme. The main figures recruited others, who were then encouraged to involve more people. Operation ‘Posto’ ended with 32 arrests. One suspect remains on the run.
Millions of scam calls blocked as Spain overhauls fraud prevention strategy