The National Police have dismantled a criminal network based in Bizkaia that deceived internet users with the promise of selling them pets. Through Operation Scooby, they achieved the arrest of twenty individuals that were part of an organized structure to commit ongoing fraud and impersonate others.
This police operation is the result of several months of coordinated work between the Basque Country Police Headquarters in Bilbao and the Judicial Police Brigade in Jaén. The estimated volume of money The amount defrauded exceeds 50.000 eurosaffecting a considerable number of people who were looking for a new animal companion.
The strategy of deception: irresistible advertisements
The criminal group used a very direct method: they published ads on social networks and second-hand portals offering puppies of highly sought-after breeds at ridiculously low prices. To attract more victims, they even raised the possibility of carrying out completely free adoptions, which served as the perfect bait.
When the interested person contacted them, the criminals moved the conversation to a private mobile phone. To give an image of legitimacy and generate a false sense of trustThey sent photographs of the animals and answered buyers' questions with detailed information about the puppies.
Chained payments and the use of money mules
Once the victim was convinced, the financial extortion phase began. The scammers requested various payments through Bizum, using administrative or veterinary excusesThey asked for money to cover supposed transport insurance, customs fees, the purchase of pet carriers, or urgent medical checkups.
Unfortunately, those affected were making these transfers one after another, but They never received the animals promised. To make the money difficult to trace, the organization employed more than 30 people acting as money mules, allowing their accounts to be used for channel and launder funds obtained illegally.
Geographical scope and legal status
Although the core of the gang operated from Vizcaya, its activities had an impact on virtually the entire country. Authorities have confirmed that the higher number of victims It was found in areas such as the Valencian Community, Malaga, Andalusia and Palma de Mallorca.
The arrested individuals, some of whom already have extensive criminal records, have appeared before the judicial authorities. Ultimately, it was decided that be released on charges while the investigation into the crimes of belonging to a criminal organization, identity theft, and fraud continues.
To avoid falling into these traps, the police recommend not being swayed by offers that seem too good to be true and distrust those who do not allow See the animal in person before paying. It is essential to verify the seller's identity and, above all, avoid any kind of scam. prepayment through apps or transfers without real guarantees.
Operation Scooby has neutralized a network that took advantage of people's love for animals to make a profit, managing to arrest twenty people in Bizkaia and detecting the involvement of dozens of bank accounts to move more than 50.000 euros defrauded from victims spread throughout Spain.