Mossos d’Esquadra detained Albert Cavallé, who has earned the nickname the “love swindler,” on Thursday, June 1, in Sant Boi de Llobregat, near Barcelona. The arrest follows accusations from two women who allege they were contacted through a dating app and subsequently defrauded by Cavallé. Sources familiar with the case indicated to Europa Press on Tuesday that the allegations concern separate incidents involving financial requests and evasive behavior after repayment demands were made.
Authorities state that Cavallé purported to be a doctor with substantial purchasing power. In the course of the alleged scheme, the two women claim they lent him 4,000 and 600 euros respectively, believing his stated financial standing and intent to repay. When the borrowers pressed for repayment, Cavallé allegedly ceased answering calls and messages, fueling the investigation that may encompass additional cases beyond those already identified.
Arrest warrant considered invalid
On June 1, the Barcelona 1st High Criminal Court issued a search and arrest warrant along with a temporary detention measure after Cavallé did not attend a hearing that had been scheduled for the day before. The following day, however, the warrant was deemed ineffective after his defense submitted documentation arguing that Cavallé’s absence was due to immoral circumstances surrounding the proceedings, or related concerns, according to reports from the Supreme Court of Justice of Catalonia representatives involved in the case. These developments have been noted as part of ongoing judicial proceedings and reflect the complexities of ensuring Cavallé’s presence at hearings in a case brought forward by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Documents reviewed by Europa Press suggest that the case includes an accusation of continuing fraud tied to a specific victim who was not repaid, with prosecutors indicating a portion of the alleged losses amounting to 850 euros, divided into two transactions. The overall charge list points to a pattern of deceptive behavior centered on dating-app encounters and the exploitation of trust for monetary gain. The authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active, with investigators pursuing potential connections to other alleged offenses that may broaden the scope of the case.
Witnesses and records indicate Cavallé presented himself as a financially robust professional in conversations with the complainants. The alleged scheme reportedly relied on creating a sense of credibility and urgency, prompting the victims to extend loans with the expectation of quick repayment. In the wake of the arrest and the court’s actions, prosecutors are expected to continue to build the case, reviewing digital communications and payment traces to establish a clear chronology of events and to determine whether other individuals may have been affected.
Legal observers note that the outcome of the arrest and any subsequent hearings will hinge on the availability of evidence demonstrating intent to defraud and the borrowers’ reliance on Cavallé’s professed status. The combination of testimony, financial records, and digital footprints will likely shape any future charges, along with the court’s assessment of Cavallé’s presence at scheduled proceedings. The case illustrates how dating-app interactions can intersect with criminal allegations when trust is exploited for financial gain, and it underscores the role of the judiciary in balancing timely accountability with the rights of the defendant.