In Benidorm, the VI Unit of the Judicial Police, part of the National Police, led a high-profile case targeting crimes against heritage and the socioeconomic order, as well as illicit activities carried out through modern technology. Officers completed a demanding investigation and secured the arrest of a man accused of computer fraud and the discovery and disclosure of confidential information. This operation underscored the police force’s capability to combine traditional investigative methods with digital forensics to protect valuable assets and sensitive corporate data.
The investigation began in January 2023 when the suspect entered into a professional relationship with a renowned local manufacturing company known for its gem business in Benidorm. The man was brought on board to manage online networks, oversee all logistics related to information technology and the use of cutting-edge technologies, and to sign a confidentiality agreement due to the extensive data he would access. This arrangement created a leverage point for misuse, as the employee quickly gained a comprehensive view of the company’s internal IT operations and data flows.
The relationship lasted only about a month, ending when the employee reportedly chose to terminate the contract of his own accord. Shortly thereafter, leveraging his inside knowledge of the company’s IT logistics, he allegedly began a series of remote transactions from his home in Alfaz del Pi. He is accused of returning shipments and directing orders to other suppliers, a pattern that resulted in financial losses for the jeweler estimated at around two thousand euros. The case highlighted how internal access, once misused, can trigger real-world economic consequences for victims and their stakeholders.
Investigative work of the National Police
Following a formal complaint lodged at the local police station, the Judicial Police Group VI initiated a thorough review of the invoicing records, the digital invoices, and the websites hosting these financial documents. By pursuing appropriate judicial measures, the investigators traced the IP addresses used to place orders and identify unauthorized access to the jeweler’s databases. This digital breadcrumbs approach allowed them to reconstruct the timeline of events, corroborate witness statements, and preserve key electronic evidence for the proceedings that followed. The work demonstrated the essential link between financial oversight, cyber forensics, and traditional investigative techniques in resolving complex cases.
Ultimately, the authorities identified the perpetrator as an adult male of Spanish nationality. He was arrested on charges including the disclosure of secrets and computer attack. The entire procedure, including the collection of digital evidence and the execution of search and seizure actions, was forwarded to the Court of Inquiry based in Benidorm for judicial processing and further adjudication. The case serves as a notable example of collaboration between front-line police work and the judicial system in addressing crimes that straddle the physical and digital worlds.