Police stations in Elche reported a rising pattern of theft involving caregivers for elderly residents. The trend has grown as relatives hire help for housekeeping, cooking, or simply to accompany older adults on walks. These caregivers spend long hours at home for weeks, months, or even years, gaining trust and sometimes forming bonds that later turn into dissatisfaction. In moments of vulnerability, trust can be misplaced, especially when families assume their loved ones are in capable hands.
The Judicial Police Brigade and the Robbery Group announced the arrest of a couple suspected of stealing numerous jewels valued at 140,767 euros. Investigators, who were inspecting businesses dealing in gold and valuables, began to suspect a woman after several days of scrutiny. Four units valued at 3,963 euros each were reportedly sold, an act that raised suspicions about normal business practices.
The article photo footer indicates the Elche National Police Station information center.
The headline jewelry sale was confirmed by authorities. The investigation uncovered that the woman had earned a substantial profit, totaling 38,505 euros, from January 2022 through December 2023 by selling a large collection of jewelry. Agents extended the probe to a goldsmith and seized a number of silver items the woman was selling, including some unusual pieces such as coins, trays, and cutlery.
To gather more details about the large quantity of jewelry being sold, agents launched a surveillance operation. The effort led to an address connected to the alleged activity, where the person was involved in housework and elder care for a local couple. An 82-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man were identified as victims, and the investigators contacted the victims’ daughter. She confirmed that the jewelry belonged to her parents and that it was not surrendered as a form of payment for services. This corroborating statement provided enough evidence for the case.
The article footer shows a photo caption about the stolen objects seized by the National Police in Elche.
The injured party was later contacted and recognized the jewelry as belonging to him and his wife. When shown photographs of the items sold by the main suspect, it emerged that the accused’s partner was also actively involved in selling pieces to various dealers. Both suspects, Paraguayan nationals aged 39 and 40, were quickly arrested. They faced charges related to habitual theft and the exploitation of the elderly, with the case outlining the role each played in the scheme.
The article footer displays a scene of National Police agents in an ongoing investigation.
The investigation revealed that the embezzlement was substantial. At the time of the arrest, the woman was found in possession of jewelry and watches from well-known brands with the intent to sell them, including items stolen from the elderly couple. Further inquiries located additional jewelry traded in Murcia, where many valuable items belonging to the elderly were moved. In total, the jewelry and valuables stolen over the two years of operation amounted to 140,767 euros.
The investigation highlighted how such crimes are often facilitated when offenders melt gold and silver objects at businesses outside the country, making detection more challenging. The case underscored the vulnerability of elderly residents and the importance of prudent oversight when engaging caregivers and service providers.