A holiday home rental scam has been uncovered by the Guardia Civil, who have cleared up 128 frauds and made 29 arrests in simultaneous raids in 18 provinces, including Alicante.
Officers also investigated 13 more people, and are analysing numerous computers, electronic devices and documents seized from the home used by the ringleaders, as they believe the number of victims could be much higher.
The operation was launched in September when they noticed an increasing number of complaints about holiday frauds on several specialised platforms and websites, explained a spokesman for the force.
Those responsible advertised on legal web pages offering accommodation at below market rates to get victims’ attention, and then charged them in advance.
The investigation established there was a complex gang divided into various subgroups spread around the country, and connected them with over 100 offences.
Full report in Costa Blanca News (in the shops on Thursday this week)