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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Related Topics:Alicante Court Documents Hospital Illegal National Police Spain

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Costa Blanca

Santa Pola man questioned by police for teaching children how to shoot a gun in a park

The Santa Pola Local Police responded to an incident near the town’s Skate Park in which a man used an air rifle in front of minors. According to the police force’s social media sites, the person was showing his son and other children how to use the rifle, including shooting rounds into the air.

The incident occurred a few days ago during the officers’ afternoon shift, while they patrolled the area to maintain the safety of public places. They discovered this abnormal condition, which threatened the safety of youngsters and other individuals.

The local police arrived quickly to the area and reported the occurrence to the proper authorities. Fortunately, no serious injuries or consequences were reported, but the incident has aroused worries regarding the reckless use of this type of weapon, particularly in the company of youngsters.

The Local Police attempted to jokingly highlight the gravity of the situation by wondering whether the culprit is a “Father of the Year” candidate. They also emphasised the necessity of promoting civility in public places and educating youngsters about safety regulations.

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Costa Blanca

Nearly 40 fines issued to scooter drivers in Dénia in one week

During the week of May 5th-11th, the Dénia Local Police increased their enforcement of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), resulting in 38 fines.

The main violations detected were:

Circulate through pedestrian areas or sidewalks

Do not wear a helmet

Driving under the minimum age

Riding with a passenger.

In this regard, the Dénia Local Police reminds you of the basic regulations for driving a vehicle:

Maximum speed: 25 km/h

Minimum age: 15 years

Mandatory use of helmet

Lighting: front white light and rear red light

Permitted areas: 20-30 lanes and bike lane

It is forbidden to drive in pedestrian areas or pavements.

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Costa Blanca

Couple jailed for robberies using the “hug” method in Malaga and Alicante

The Guardia Civil has arrested a man and a woman, both 38 years old, for allegedly committing six crimes in Malaga and Alicante using the “hug” approach. After appearing before a judge, they were ordered to be held in custody.

On May 1st in Calpe (Alicante), police from the investigation area of the town’s main post saw a suspicious car driving at a low speed. The vehicle’s occupants were particularly interested in older folks passing through the region.

Given these odd conditions, investigators checked the vehicle’s database and determined it was associated with previous crimes. They then identified the occupants, verifying that each had an arrest warrant for a robbery committed weeks earlier in Marbella, according to a Guardia Civil statement.

Key information concerning the arrest:

A 38-year-old man and woman were arrested for six crimes in Malaga and Alicante.
They employed the hugging approach to perpetrate crimes.
They have been linked to a violent robbery in Marbella.
The embrace technique is a frequent practice among organised crime groups.

A couple arrested for robbery with the hug method

While police were conducting the arrest, it was discovered that the same couple had committed a theft in Calpe, stealing two gold chains from a tourist by fondling and personal contact. A thorough examination linked them to four other similar events since April.

Significant economic damage

Several high-end watches were violently robbed in Jávea, Pilar de la Horadada, and Marbella. Jewellery and watches were also stolen in La Nucía, Calpe, and Pedreguer. The anticipated financial loss surpasses €140,000. Both detainees were taken before Denia Investigating Court No. 2 and sentenced to prison.

Criminal organisations’ methods of operation

The hug method is a popular tactic among organised travel groups.
They prefer elderly persons or those in vulnerable positions as their victims.
They distract their victims with phoney gestures of affection before stealing things.