The Guardia Civil has dismantled a suspected pyramid scheme as part of "Operation MORGHULIS," resulting in the arrest of a woman in Gran Canaria accused of banking fraud and document forgery.
The suspect allegedly posed as a representative for the digital media platform Creators Alliance, defrauding numerous users across several countries.
The Judicial Police Unit in Las Palmas, via the specialised cybercrime unit, centralised complaints received at the Vecindario Guardia Civil police station. Investigators quickly identified patterns in the scam, including the use of repeated telephone numbers and cryptocurrency wallets to communicate with victims and receive illicit funds. These wallets were linked to events held to attract new investors.
Sophisticated Scam with International Reach
The operation began in April following a detailed analysis of the methods used by the alleged perpetrators. Victims were reportedly guided via mobile communications and encouraged to sign up through apps supported by third-party service providers. After gathering technical data, financial records, and victim statements, authorities traced the operation to a now-defunct office in Las Palmas, where the detainee had been organising recruitment events.
These ‘networking’ events, some attended by up to 900 people, encouraged participants to download the platform’s app and invest in the scheme. When Creators Alliance collapsed, many users suffered significant financial losses. While based in the Canary Islands, the platform’s reach extended internationally, raising concerns about global financial implications.
Ongoing Investigation and International Links
The Guardia Civil is continuing its investigation, which includes identifying additional suspects possibly linked to an international entity based in the UK, as well as the developers of the mobile app. Authorities are currently analysing blockchain transactions and tracing decentralised crypto wallets involved in the scheme to fully uncover the network behind the fraud and prevent further incidents.
The case has been referred to the Court of Instruction in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and the local Public Prosecutor’s Office, as the majority of the victims reside in the municipality.
Public Warning and Advice
The Guardia Civil’s cyber unit, Equipo@ Gran Canaria, has issued a reminder to the public: while the internet offers countless opportunities, it is essential to be vigilant when investing online.
Authorities advise users to independently verify any investment platform, even if recommended by friends or family, and to seek information from multiple sources before committing any funds.
