A criminal organisation responsible for scamming hundreds of victims out of more than 10 million euros has been dissolved in a joint investigation by the National Police, the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan police), and the Guardia Civil. The “Digital Smoke” operation led to 21 arrests across Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante, and Mallorca.
fraudulent websites and bogus advisors
The network operated from call centres in Barcelona, tricking victims into making fraudulent investments. They used phoney websites and advisors. These consultants persuaded the victims to make financial donations in the name of investing in well-known firms or cryptocurrencies. Upon contact, the crooks tricked the victims into transferring substantial amounts of money to their controlled accounts.
The fraud began in 2022 and has expanded across Spain, with over 300 complaints filed. Scammers used cutting-edge technology platforms to build bogus profit charts, misleading victims with the promise of enormous returns. Upon attempting to collect their money, the scammers requested additional payments, thereby prolonging their deception.
Recruiting victims through psychological manipulation
The criminal organisation employed psychological manipulation techniques to entice its victims. They established an “emotional bond” that enabled them to persuade them to make larger transfers. The victims were duped for months, if not years, into believing they would profit handsomely from bogus investments.
Seizure of property and evidence
The operation resulted in the recovery of considerable material evidence, which included seven luxury automobiles, a firearm, more than one million euros in cash, cryptocurrency wallets, and fine jewellery.
In addition, papers and computer equipment have been seized and are currently being examined.
Author: Derek Appleton
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