Authorities in Alicante reported a case involving a group that pressured a mentally disabled family member to obtain money from his pension. The investigation led to charges and proceedings as several suspects, already under scrutiny in a prior operation, appeared to be part of a broader scheme targeting vulnerable individuals to demand payments from benefits. The prior operation, carried out in January, involved the same group pressuring the victim’s mother to extract funds from the benefits she had secured. The affected person and his family member have disability ratings of 65% and 71% respectively, underscoring the vulnerability exploited by the defendants.
Earlier this year, in January, the Organized Crime Group of the National Police in Alicante arrested several individuals connected to this new conspiracy, accusing them of harassment, assault, and threats against a 65% disabled woman to safeguard the pension she received. The alleged scheme involved a payment amounting to 1.5 million pesetas, justified by the suspects as the balance of an old loan shark loan.
Investigators learned that some participants in the case targeted a disabled woman and her son, who is rated at 71% disability, planning to repeat the actions against other vulnerable people if left unchecked.
Harassment and threats
At the start of June, the victim, a person with a significant intellectual disability, found the courage to report the situation to the Alicante Provincial Police Station Organized Crime Group. He described constant harassment and threats that extended over time and included controlling access to his social pension of just over 400 euros per month. The pressure intensified after the attackers compelled him to go to a bank with them so they could monitor the withdrawal of funds and ensure the demands were met.
The intimidation included direct threats such as statements about violence if orders were not followed. The victim recalled episodes of coercion and fear, including a period when he was detained for two days before a court appearance to testify about the matter, with one of the aggressors continuously watching him and taking his phone to prevent communication or help from being sought.
According to the testimony, the attackers used the victim’s mobility and access to resources to bolster their control. Both parties held National Identity Documents, and the accused allegedly used the victim’s monthly pension funds to support themselves through the use of the victim’s cards for withdrawals at various times.
During the investigation, investigators confirmed that the suspects were involved in unlawful detention, threats, violence, intimidation, extortion, and obstruction of justice. Several of the accused were closely related to the victims, which added a chilling dimension to the case as the family ties were exploited to deepen the pressure.
Following a thorough inquiry, five individuals were arrested by the National Police’s Crime Group I in Alicante. The suspects, four men and one woman, all Spanish and aged between 21 and 55, now face formal charges. The case has been referred to the Alicante police court for further proceedings.
The authorities stated that the investigation employed a range of standard investigative techniques and corroborated the victim’s account through multiple lines of inquiry. The case highlights the risks faced by people with disabilities and the vigilance of law enforcement in protecting the financial security and personal safety of vulnerable groups. The police emphasized their commitment to pursuing all individuals implicated in the crime and ensuring that justice is pursued through the proper legal channels.