In a large-scale operation targeting cybercrime, the Guardia Civil has arrested 33 individuals and investigated 7 others in Alicante, Valencia, Murcia, and Madrid.
The suspects are involved in various cybercrime-related offenses, including money laundering, computer fraud, and criminal group activity.
Operation results in frozen accounts and partial recovery of funds
As a result of the operation, the Guardia Civil successfully froze several bank accounts and recovered €133,500, approximately one-third of the total €400,000 defrauded by the cybercriminals. Victims of these scams were spread across Spain, with at least 16 residing in Burgos.
Investigation launched after reports from Burgos residents
The investigation began in May following reports from multiple residents in Burgos who had fallen victim to various online fraud schemes. The Guardia Civil uncovered a network of individuals using a range of fraudulent techniques to carry out their crimes.
Multiple fraud schemes uncovered
The investigation revealed that the suspects employed a variety of methods to scam their victims. One involved contacting victims via social media, offering money in exchange for photos but first requesting a financial deposit. Another method, known as the “Romance Scam,” involved establishing a relationship with the victim through video calls and emotional manipulation to solicit money.
Additionally, the group sold fake tickets to events advertised on second-hand sales websites and used the “child in distress” scam, where fraudsters posed as the victim’s child asking for financial help due to an emergency.
Other techniques included falsifying loan requests in victims’ names and using the BEC (Business Email Compromise) scam, where scammers trick businesses into sending funds to fraudulent accounts by posing as trusted business partners. The suspects also engaged in phishing and smishing attacks, sending fraudulent messages to trick victims into sharing confidential information or installing malware.
Importance of swift reporting and cyber patrols
The Guardia Civil emphasised the importance of victims reporting these crimes quickly, which allowed authorities to freeze payments before they were processed. Specialist teams conducted “cyber patrolling” on social networks to detect fraudulent activities, particularly during busy online shopping periods.
Collaboration and public awareness
In addition to their cyber patrols, the Guardia Civil holds regular meetings with affected communities to share information about evolving cybercrime methods and offer basic security advice. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity by calling 062 or using the free app AlertCops.
This operation was carried out by the EDITE (Technological Investigation Team) of the Burgos Judicial Police and the Guardia Civil’s Equipo @ unit. The arrested individuals have been brought before the courts for further legal proceedings.
Also read: Be aware of SMS scams posing as your bank