In a joint operation with the United States Secret Service, the National Police has dismantled an international criminal organization based in Madrid that specialized in “online” scams.
Eight people of different nationalities have been arrested in Spain and one in Miami, Florida, suspected of scamming American companies and citizens. The organization opened more than 100 bank accounts in Spain and received nearly 5 million euros from victims in less than a year.
The investigation was supported by Eurojust and allowed the police and judicial authorities of the United States, Panama, and Spain to work together. The agents seized high-value items, including high-end watches valued at $200,000 and frozen assets worth over half a million dollars.
Everything started with a complaint filed by a card processor about the fraudulent use of two of its cards by an American citizen at a luxury commercial establishment in Madrid. The purchase was made “online” but was picked up in person, with the cardholder claiming transactions for an amount of over 20,000 euros.
After initial investigations, the agents of the Central Unit for Cybercrime discovered a complex criminal methodology affecting several countries and multiple victims and generating millions of dollars in fraud.