The National Police have arrested two people in Santa Cruz de La Palma for an alleged ongoing fraud that would have affected dozens of victims and exceeded half a million euros.
The investigation began in May, following a report from an individual who handed over two vehicles for sale at a car dealership, without receiving the agreed amount for them. This was the starting point for a series of inquiries that alerted the officers.
The Deception
According to the accounts of numerous victims, the main suspect would approach vehicle owners through advertising platforms or directly at the premises, offering management services for the sale or direct purchase of their cars. The procedure was seemingly simple: a sale price was verbally agreed, and the clients handed over the vehicle along with a signature on a “very basic deposit or sales contract.”
However, the reality was very different. In most cases, those affected never received the agreed amount or, if they did, it was significantly less than agreed. To make matters worse, the victims were left with no information on the whereabouts of their vehicles.
The Affected
To date, 50 people have come forward as complainants or victims of this alleged scam, a figure the National Police do not rule out increasing in the coming days. Investigators estimate that the total value defrauded could exceed 500,000 euros, while the income obtained by the alleged perpetrators would amount to over 215,000 euros. As part of the operation, at least 34 vehicles have been identified, including cars and motorcycles.
The inquiries revealed that most of the vehicles were eventually sold to a trade professional residing in Tenerife, who, according to police checks, purchased them “in good faith.” Part of the financial operations were conducted through a bank account in the main suspect’s name, which facilitated the tracking of the money.
Arrests and Judicial Measures
At the end of May, officers proceeded with the arrest of the two alleged perpetrators of the scam. After being brought before a judge, both were released with charges, although the judge ordered the sealing of the premises where they operated and the blocking of their bank accounts. The investigation remains open.
Public Collaboration
The National Police emphasise the importance of properly formalising all vehicle sales transactions. They also urge those who suspect they have been victims of similar situations to file a report. According to authorities, public collaboration is key to clarifying the facts and safeguarding the rights of those affected.
