A complaint in Tudela de Duero, Valladolid, sparked a Civil Guard inquiry that culminated in a wide-ranging investigation. Six individuals were identified as suspects, connected to a transnational online operation estimated to have earned over one million euros through love scams.
The operation, codenamed Clineda, began in August 2021 after a victim alerted the Tudela de Duero Civil Guard to months of online deception. The inquiry expanded to involve six suspects accused of numerous offenses including romantic fraud, racketeering, and money laundering. The suspects resided in various countries while the core activity took place from Spain.
Authorities learned through statements from a victim that the offenders built trust and manufactured circumstances of need to manipulate financial transfers. The victim confessed to transferring more than 3,000 euros before the payments stopped. When pressure resumed, the scammers threatened to share private footage on social networks and to contact the victim’s circle unless another payment was made.
The scam, commonly described as a romantic scam, exploits emotional bonds. Scammers pose as potential partners on dating sites, social networks, or through mass emails with the goal of cultivating a relationship. Fake affection or sexual interest can lead to a prolonged virtual relationship, during which trust is built over months.
During the investigation, officials identified another 135 potential victims across Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. After contacting several of these individuals, officers confirmed they had been defrauded and advised them to file complaints in their home countries at the earliest opportunity.
Research
Efforts to pinpoint the perpetrators included collecting data on bank transfers, emails, and instant messages from multiple internet service providers and financial institutions. Analyzing these movements helped map the operation and uncover the reach of the network.
The probe led to the dismantling of a criminal organization consisting of six people from different nations. Members were based in several towns across Spain and Europe, including Mahón in the Balearic Islands, Recas in Toledo, Peralta in Navarra, Ribarroja del Turia in Valencia, and Bordeaux in France, with leaders, co-perpetrators, collaborators, beneficiaries, mediators, and economic mules assigned specific roles to carry out the scheme.
Estimates indicate that the network may have laundered or diverted more than 1,040,725 euros through mule accounts, where initial payments were received and then redistributed into different accounts. Large portions of the funds were further integrated into the financial system, enabling purchases and other financial activities tied to the broader operation.
The investigation was carried out by the Organic Unit of the Valladolid Judicial Police and the Valladolid Civil Guard team, in collaboration with units from Gerona, Menorca, Ribarroja (Valencia), Navarra, Illescas (Toledo), and Madrid. Investigators stressed that the public should be cautious of unknown individuals requesting money transfers and emphasized ongoing efforts to locate those most affected by the criminal network. Citizens are urged to report similar encounters promptly so authorities can begin or continue inquiries.