The National Police have arrested 29 people in Elche in connection with a fuel fraud that targeted a local transport company. The firm reported the fraudulent use of 10,663.95 litres of fuel, causing financial losses of more than 18,000 euros.

According to investigators, the case began after the company detected numerous irregular refuelling charges in March. The amounts did not match the usual consumption of its fleet, prompting a formal complaint and a detailed police inquiry.

Officers believe a trusted employee misused an internal refuelling code to activate pumps at several petrol stations in Elche. He allegedly filled private vehicles and large containers without the company’s authorisation, charging the fuel directly to the business. In some cases, the fuel is suspected to have been resold below market price in exchange for cash.

Police analysed security camera footage from the affected stations, linking repeated transactions to specific vehicles and individuals. As a result, 29 people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the scheme.