Three individuals were taken into custody by National Police officers in Orihuela after each came to a local station alleging they had fallen victim to different crimes. The detainees, who had no formal affiliations, sought help from the police by presenting claims of criminal acts. Through careful investigations, authorities determined that none of the complaints reflected actual events, clearing the way for a broader understanding of the incident cluster and the risks of false victimhood claims.
In one case, an alleged assault with a knife and theft of a wallet was reported. Investigators later confirmed that the wallet had not been stolen; instead, the owner had misplaced it and subsequently filed a complaint to pursue a credit card insurance claim. This finding underscores how misplacement can be misinterpreted as a robbery in the heat of the moment and how proper documentation can prevent unnecessary police action.
A second detainee was connected to a telematics scam allegation. Police inquiries revealed that the individual had used a card to withdraw cash at a municipal gaming facility, contradicting the claim of a separate fraud incident. Witnesses helped clarify the actual usage pattern, showing the steps that led to the disputed transaction and illustrating how quickly misperceptions can arise in fast-moving environments like gaming halls.
The third detainee was involved in a scenario involving online fraud linked to a premium shopping service. While the person initially believed a fraudulent charge had occurred, the investigation revealed a personal decision to discontinue the service, transforming the situation into a complaint about a self-initiated cancellation rather than a crime committed by a third party.
What counts as acting as a victim also matters
In total, three Spanish nationals were taken into custody, aged 31, 55, and 23. After preliminary statements at the municipal police facility, they were released pending further judicial review. In a police statement issued yesterday, authorities noted that all complaints are being examined. They added that presenting oneself as a crime victim can carry legal consequences, including potential entries on a criminal record if the claim proves unfounded or fraudulent.