In a significant crackdown on financial crime, the National Police have apprehended two young adults, aged twenty and twenty-one, in Elche on charges of fraud and money laundering. These individuals were reportedly recruited as ‘money mules’, receiving small sums of money in exchange for handing over their personal details and allowing third parties to control their bank accounts. The investigation suggests these accounts were used in various fraudulent schemes throughout Spain.

The inquiry commenced following a complaint filed by one of the arrested. He revealed that he had opened bank accounts at the advice of an acquaintance, allegedly for a promotional offer from a banking institution that provided bonuses via referral codes. For each account opened, he would receive fifty euros, with the involved third party managing everything from a mobile device.

Eventually, the National Police alerted him that one of the accounts was linked to suspicious monetary transactions. Further investigation uncovered that a total of nine accounts had been opened: five under his name and four belonging to his friend. All these accounts were associated with scams operating in several Spanish cities, including Madrid, Zaragoza, Valencia, Burgos, and Málaga.

The police described the modus operandi of the criminal networks involved. The arrested individuals willingly surrendered control over their accounts and personal information, enabling these networks to move illicit funds without direct traces. Techniques such as smishing—sending fraudulent SMS messages—and vishing—telephone calls impersonating banks—were commonly used to deceive victims and obtain their details. The police advise that individuals must maintain control over their bank accounts and be cautious when receiving inquiries for personal information. They recommend immediate reporting of any suspected fraud to the police.