They did not resolve the health problems through a promised santeria ceremony, and the situation worsened when the victim learned that recovery had occurred without the promised ritual. In total, 21,500 euros were defrauded, money borrowed from a bank. The embezzlers are a couple who operate in the sectors of art, beauty treatments, and natural therapies. In Alicante, a woman who stood on the quay is accused of defrauding that money after the couple promised to treat her with a “saint’s ceremony.” The investigation in Alicante seeks a sentence of 18 months in prison for each defendant for fraud and calls for the victim to be paid 22,000 euros plus statutory interest, as stated in the indictment.
Findings to be judged point to a crime in Alicante’s court with proceedings dating back to May 2019. According to interim summaries prepared by the Prosecutor’s Office, the defendants—a 48-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman—operate what are described as natural treatments and aesthetic services in a neighborhood of Alicante. A woman sought help for her health issues, befriending the defendants who convinced her that a cure had been found for her illness.
They claimed that submitting to a santeria ceremony, described by them as a “saint’s ceremony,” would eliminate her problems. They announced an upcoming ceremony and demanded a payment of 10,000 euros in advance, which she accepted as part of the arrangement.
On June 19, 2019, the woman paid the stated amount to the defendants. The defendants, having detected additional opportunities to exploit her, requested further funds under the pretext that the ceremony was necessary to complete the treatment and to include their partner and daughter in the process.
According to the indictment, the extra charge amounted to 10,000 euros for the couple and 1,500 euros for the daughter. The public ministry notes that she paid the additional money on July 5, 2019.
Despite the promises, the ceremonies were never conducted and the money was never returned.
Debt
The victim had secured a loan through a banking institution, borrowing 20,000 euros, with 2,000 more attributed to the owners of the natural therapy centers, totaling 22,000 euros. The alleged fraudsters, who have no prior criminal record according to the indictment by the Alicante Prosecutor’s Office, face scrutiny for this alleged deception.
Santero-style fraud is one of many scams carried out by individuals who exploit trust to mislead people. In many cases, law enforcement notes that the true extent of fraud is difficult to quantify because many victims fear reporting the crime. In cases like this, the swindle often unfolds through a blend of clairvoyance and religious-sounding rituals. The perpetrators gain the victim’s confidence, claiming to secure an inheritance or the riches of close relatives, as seen in this instance, where the promised ritual could not be performed and the funds were not returned.
Experts emphasize that fraud of this nature relies on building a personal bond with the victim, presenting a convincing narrative of healing and spiritual intervention. The case in Alicante illustrates how trust-based schemes can escalate, with victims investing significant sums under pressure to participate in a ritual that ultimately never materializes.
Legal authorities describe these acts as deceit and financial manipulation. Court filings indicate that the motive centers on monetary extraction rather than genuine medical or spiritual remedy. Prosecutors are seeking accountability for the financial losses suffered, while the victims seek restitution for the amounts paid, including interest, and a formal finding of fraud against the defendants. This case also serves as a reminder to communities about the risks of unverified therapies and the importance of transparency in private enterprises offering health-related services. [citation attribution] In public discussions, law enforcement notes that similar scams have targeted vulnerable individuals seeking relief from serious health conditions, making awareness and due diligence essential for potential clients. [citation attribution]