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- Up to 70 people may have fallen victim to the criminal organization
- The group posed as romantic partners to emotionally manipulate and scam victims
- 21 individuals arrested, 4 others under investigation for fraud, money laundering, and organized crime involvement
April 5, 2025 – The Civil Guard has arrested 21 people and is investigating four more in connection with a criminal organization that defrauded more than €1.5 million using a method known as the “romance scam.” Operating under the codename Operation Fake James, the investigation revealed that over 70 individuals were deceived into sending money to scammers who posed as romantic partners.
One of the victims reported losses of more than €94,000 after being led to believe they were in a genuine romantic relationship.
How the Scam Worked
The group employed dedicated recruiters to target potential victims, often approaching them in a casual and seemingly genuine way. They gathered personal information through social media, email, and even mobile phone numbers.
Once contact was established, the scammers created fake profiles, using stolen photos and fabricated professions to appear credible. Over time, they built trust and manipulated victims emotionally, developing what appeared to be romantic relationships.
Eventually, the scammers would claim to be facing financial difficulties and ask for monetary help. Victims were persuaded to transfer large sums of money to bank accounts provided via messaging apps.
Organized Structure and Money Laundering
The organization operated as a structured pyramid network, active not only in Spain but also across Europe and parts of Africa. While some members focused on emotionally manipulating victims, others specialized in document forgery to open fraudulent bank accounts or create fake companies.
The group also laundered the illicit proceeds by purchasing goods for export to African countries or by directly transferring funds abroad. Some bank accounts were opened using false identities or so-called “money mules” to hide the origin of the funds.
The Civil Guard conducted seven raids across municipalities in Navarra and Madrid, resulting in the arrest of 21 individuals and the investigation of four more. Authorities also froze 93 bank accounts containing a total of €1.5 million and seized four vehicles.
Nationwide Impact
The investigation was led by the Civil Guard’s Cybercrime Unit, which confirmed that victims were located in Madrid, Navarra, Alicante, Álava, Seville, Bizkaia, and Murcia.
How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
- Protect your personal information: Avoid sharing private details like your address, phone number, or bank information with people you’ve only met online.
- Verify suspicious profiles: Search for images to check if they’re stolen and cross-check any personal details to look for inconsistencies.
- Review your social media privacy settings: Limit visibility to reduce the risk of scammers gathering information about you.
- Don’t rush into sending money: Take time to verify the other person’s identity and never transfer funds without investigating the situation thoroughly.
- Report suspicious profiles: You can notify the Civil Guard via their official website if you suspect you’re being targeted.
- Preserve evidence: If you fall victim to such a scam, save screenshots and conversations to support your case when filing a police report.
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