Civil Guards involved in operation Zumpro reveal a case where two people were detained in connection with a cybercrime scam that redirected more than 20,000 euros from a nursing home in Sant Joan. The suspects are identified as a 24-year-old man, acting as the main perpetrator, and a 55-year-old woman who allegedly served as a mule. The judicial process was filed at Alicante Court of Investigation No. 3.
The inquiry started on May 9 following a formal complaint about the deception faced by a senior facility. An amount of 20,368.56 euros was paid to a construction company that claimed to be completing renovations at the center. In reality, the construction firm did not receive the funds.
modus operandi
The method, often called Man in the Middle or CEO fraud, describes a cyber attack in which criminals monitor and intercept communications between a supplier and a customer. In this case, messages from the renovation company and the condo were altered to steer payments into accounts controlled by the perpetrators.
Initially reported on May 3, the nursing home caretakers received an email indicating that the total owed to the construction company was 40,737.13 euros. They proceeded with an initial payment of 20,368.56 euros. By May 8, the construction company contacted the residence to say no payment had arrived. Once both sides realized what happened, they filed the appropriate complaint at the Sant Joan Civil Guard Barracks.
investigation progress
Following the May 9 report, investigators traced the funds through the bank account that received the fraudulent payment and secured a freeze on the transfer. This step allowed the money to be returned to the affected party.
During the course of the investigation, the Alicante Computer Crimes Prosecutor’s Office identified the person who received the money. A 55-year-old woman was arrested in Salou, Tarragona, on July 25. She acted as a financial intermediary, moving the illicit proceeds to other accounts in exchange for a fee, complicating the trail of funds.
After a thorough examination of the evidence, authorities identified the original suspect as a resident of Palomeque, Toledo. On November 7, a Sant Joan Civil Guard brigade located and arrested the writer at his home. The 24-year-old man had no prior criminal record and reportedly limited computer skills.
The hearings were presented before Alicante Court of Investigation No. 3, and authorities ordered the return of seized funds to those responsible for the residence. The detainees were released on bail while facing charges that include involvement in a criminal organization, fraud, identity theft, disclosure of secrets, document forgery, and money laundering. They remain free pending the final hearing.
Further information can be obtained through the Environmental Communications Office of the Alicante Civil Guard.