Seven arrested in Malaga « Euro Weekly News
Seven people have been arrested after a criminal network allegedly tricked people looking for long-term homes in Malaga into paying deposits for properties they had no right to rent out.
Police believe around 20 people have already fallen victim to the scam, with losses estimated at €150,000. Another three people are being investigated in connection with the alleged operation.
What made the fraud particularly convincing was that the properties were real. Members of the gang would first book tourist apartments for just one day before advertising them as available for long-term rental.
They then arranged viewings, showed prospective tenants around the homes and collected money for reservations and deposits. Payments were made through Bizum, Spain’s popular mobile payment service, or bank transfers.
In some cases, the same apartment was offered to several different people on the same day, with each being led to believe they had secured a place to live.
Suspected ringleader operated from Thailand
According to the National Police investigation, reported by EFE, the organisation was based on the Costa del Sol but had an international element. Its alleged ringleader operated from Thailand, where he coordinated the fraudulent activity and recruited people in Spain to carry out the practical work.
Different members had clearly defined roles. Some published advertisements on social media and arranged appointments, while others showed prospective tenants around the apartments and collected their money. Investigators also uncovered a system involving numerous telephone numbers and bank accounts, with cryptocurrency allegedly used to launder some of the proceeds.
Benalmadena featured in the operation, with one suspect responsible for collecting money and arranging the movement of funds and apartment keys. Another allegedly received cash and converted it into cryptocurrency.
Police warn more victims could come forward
The investigation began after several complaints were received by the National Police’s Central District station in Malaga. Officers subsequently identified the properties involved and carried out operations to catch suspects in the act. Several further scams were prevented when prospective tenants arrived to reserve apartments.
Seven people have now been arrested and three others are under investigation for alleged offences including membership of a criminal organisation, fraud and money laundering.
Police believe the number of victims could increase as the investigation continues, given how many people were reportedly shown the same apartments. The case is another warning for people searching for rental accommodation in Spain. EWN previously reported on how fake landlords were targeting desperate renters across Spain, with criminals exploiting the pressure on people to find somewhere to live.
Anyone searching for a long-term rental should check the identity of the person offering the property and establish that they are the owner or have proper authority to rent it out. Paying a deposit before verifying these details can leave prospective tenants seriously out of pocket.
For more home renting advice, see EWN’s guide to avoiding rental scams in Spain.
