The police have dismantled a gang of fraudsters publicly denounced by MailOnlinewho had deceived thousands of British tourists in the south Tenerife through credit card scams.
The methods of these unscrupulous scammers, who used “highly aggressive sales tactics”, were revealed during an investigation in April. They cloned vulnerable pensioners’ cards or stole their bank details once inside souvenir shops, falsely offering iPads and laptops at discounted prices. In addition, they would steal PIN numbers or charge higher than agreed fees using fake bank forms.
During searches of homes, shops and offices in the tourist areas of Arona and Adeje, more than 1 million pounds in cash, jewelery and almost a dozen luxury vehicles such as Mercedes and Porsche were seized, allegedly acquired with the illicit profits of the band. According to local reports, 42 properties have been seized and more than 300 bank accounts have been frozen as part of the operation, which included an elite unit specializing in the fight against organized crime and money laundering experts.
The alleged ringleaders controlled the money laundering of the criminal operation, while the sellers who cloned cards or stole bank details occupied a second level and the “middlemen” were in charge of attracting the older victims and making sure that they left Tenerife without reporting them to the police. police.
Research carried out by MailOnline revealed how British tourists were often targeted by scammers on the last day of their holiday, often only learning about the scam weeks later by checking their card or bank statements of credit. Police are expected to ask other victims to come forward when details of their operation are made public. Many of the victims are British, as the souvenir shop owners, described as Indian citizens, were more comfortable speaking English. These were denounced for the help of outraged members of the Hindu community residing on the island.
During the investigation, retired British police officer Ged Varley, 76, volunteered to pose as a possible victim, allowing MailOnline to secretly record the suspected scammers applying “intense pressure” for details of your credit card.
