VIDEO: Guardia Civil dismantles major cyber-fraud network in the Canary Islands
The Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal organisation based in the Canary Islands accused of large-scale online banking fraud and money laundering. According to investigators, the group specialised in impersonating banking staff during phone calls to victims.
Posing as fraud-prevention managers, they convinced account holders that their bank accounts had been compromised, prompting victims to reveal their online banking credentials. Once the criminals had access, they made transfers, channelling significant sums into accounts controlled by the organisation.
To cover their tracks, members of the group quickly disposed of these bank accounts and the prepaid SIM cards used to contact victims, making it difficult for authorities to trace the flow of money.
More than 25 Victims Nationwide
The investigation began after the first complaint was filed. From there, cybercrime specialists within the Guardia Civil analysed similar incidents across Spain and linked more than 25 victims affected by an identical fraud pattern.
On the basis of gathered evidence, officers identified, located, and arrested 30 suspects, including five alleged ringleaders based in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Five home searches were conducted, leading to the seizure of electronic devices, documentation directly related to the fraud scheme, and six kilograms of hashish.
Financial ‘Mules’ Identified
A key breakthrough was the identification of “financial mules”, individuals who allowed their bank accounts to be used by the organisation to receive, move, or withdraw fraudulently obtained funds. A total of 25 people living in Tenerife have been placed under investigation for money laundering as part of the network’s financial infrastructure.
Judicial Oversight and Warnings to the Public
The operation was led by the Cybercrime Team of the Guardia Civil’s Judicial Police, with support from other units in Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Proceedings are being directed by Court No. 2 in Güímar and the Technology Crimes Division of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The Guardia Civil has issued a reminder to the public that providing bank accounts, carrying out money movements for others, or receiving funds of illicit origin constitutes a criminal offence under Spain’s Penal Code, with serious consequences.
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