Costa Blanca

Elderly man held captive by couple who scammed him out of 85,000€

National Police officers have freed an elderly man in Alicante. The elderly individual was allegedly held by a couple who were accused of defrauding over 85,000 euros.

Furthermore, it is purported that the individuals who were apprehended forced him into altering his will and conducted bank transfers to third parties in Colombia, concealing the intended recipient of the funds. The victim was able to flee while her captures were asleep. According to the police headquarters, he requested assistance from a neighbour, who then informed the police officers.

In May 2024, the victim encountered a woman at the hospital who suggested that she care for him after learning that he had no family or close acquaintances. This was the beginning of the story. A few days later, she and her husband moved in with her under the pretence of helping him and preventing others from entering the house.

They were attentive and kind for weeks, taking him for walks and establishing his trust. However, they soon enquired about their bank accounts, confidential passwords, potential heirs, and their heritage.

The agreement underwent modifications as the months progressed. The couple persuaded the victim to travel to Colombia, promising to purchase a property in his name. They processed a variety of documents in Colombia, but they never bought him about any property.

During the journey, he endured degrading treatment and humiliation, which worsened his condition and increased his distress. In Spain, his isolation was further exacerbated by the alleged confiscation of the keys to his own home in order to prevent him from leaving, as well as the stopping of his bank visits and the monitoring of his movements.

Taking advantage of the couple’s slumber, the elderly man was able to escape and request assistance from a neighbour, whom he promptly contacted at 091. A patrol that arrived at the scene discovered the victim in a state of anxiety and nervousness. The agents subsequently located and apprehended the alleged perpetrators in the vicinity of the residence after gathering their testimony and verifying the situation.

The Provincial Brigade of the Alicante Judicial Police conducted a subsequent investigation, which disclosed the full extent of the deception. The couple allegedly altered the elderly man’s will in their favour and transferred a total of 85,233.42 euros to bank accounts in Colombia. They made these transfers in the names of third parties to hinder their tracking.

Additionally, the woman registered two motorcycles in her name after acquiring them with a portion of the funds. It is believed that the accused’s son regularly used these vehicles, despite none of the detainees having the authority to operate them. The victim possessed only 270 euros in his bank accounts at the time of the police intervention.

The couple, a 43-year-old male and 53-year-old woman, were apprehended for the offences of fraud and illegal detention. The Alicante investigating court subsequently placed them in custody.

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Costa Blanca

Young man arrested for robbing ATM users in Alicante

The National Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in Alicante as the perpetrator of six robberies that occurred at ATMs located at various banks in the city. The suspect, who possessed a lengthy criminal history, approached his victims while they were operating ATMs and successfully robbed them of over 5,400 euros. In order to accomplish this, he implemented a form of fraud that is referred to as “sowing” in police jargon. He even employed violence against one of the victims in one instance.

Commonly, the incidents were conducted in a similar manner. The perpetrator approached individuals between the ages of 54 and 82 as they proceeded to use the ATM. He took advantage of the moment they entered their PIN to approach and distract them, using the terminal and withdrawing the maximum amount possible, typically 900 euros.

The perpetrator was identified as a result of the investigation conducted by agents of the Judicial Police Group. He was a young man who was notorious for his illicit activities.

Background

The alleged perpetrator was apprehended by the National Police in the city of Alicante. Numerous garments were confiscated from him during his detention, which corresponded to those employed in three of the incidents under investigation.

The individual who was apprehended had been detained by a variety of law enforcement agencies on 29 separate occasions within the past eight months. The majority of these arrests were for burglary, fraud, robbery with violence, and other violations.

In Alicante, he was presented before the duty court. He is accused of theft and fraud with the use of violence and intimidation.

Tips for preventing ATM fraud

The National Police urges citizens, particularly seniors, to exercise caution when using ATMs:

• Refrain from operating if you observe individuals loitering in the vicinity.

• Be sure to conceal the keypad when entering your PIN.

• Refuse assistance from individuals who are not acquainted with you.

• Prevent any individual from approaching during the execution of an operation.

• In the event that the ATM is malfunctioning, it is advisable to either enter the branch or contact the bank and rescind the transaction.

It is imperative that you promptly notify the National Police in the event that you suspect or encounter any unusual circumstances. It is possible to prevent becoming a victim of this type of crime by paying attention to tiny details and taking preventative measures.

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Costa Blanca

Construction work begins on the Central Market in Elche

The installation of the building’s perimeter fencing marked the commencement of renovation work on the Central Market yesterday, Tuesday 22nd April, nearly two decades after the staking-out document was signed. The objective was to mitigate the impact on local businesses and hospitality during Holy Week.

Pablo Ruz, the Mayor of Elche, declared, “We will observe the progress of the work in the upcoming weeks, which will provide us with an understanding of the magnitude of the intervention and the necessity of this project.” Ruz clarified that the perimeter fencing has commenced and that internal construction will commence this week. Furthermore, the dismantling of the west facade will finalise the excavation in the upcoming weeks.

The mayor announced that the interior elements of the upper floor of the market will be removed in the near future. He said, “Many will go to the Puçol Museum, as they are part of an era we want to preserve.”

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Costa Blanca

The driver of the fatal accident in Calp has been released while awaiting court summons

The 20-year-old driver who was arrested by the Guardia Civil on Sunday for his alleged involvement in an accident that resulted in the death of a cyclist and the injury of his 14-year-old son in the Mascarat tunnel on the N-332 highway in Calp is currently free and is awaiting a court summons that will be issued prior to the trial.

The young man was arrested on suspicion of committing the offences of negligent homicide, reckless injuries, and violations of road safety.

The Guardia Civil sent the report to the judicial authorities after gathering all the necessary information, according to sources from the armed forces. The young man has been released pending a court summons.

The driver never appeared at the Investigative Court No. 3 of Dénia, as per the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV), which has already received the Guardia Civil’s report on the events. The judge is currently reviewing the report in preparation for the investigative proceedings that are associated with it.