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A Civil Guard officer during the investigation. G.C
The Civil Guard investigates a businessman for defrauding 78 tons of oranges from farmers in Alicante and Valencia

The Civil Guard investigates a businessman for defrauding 78 tons of oranges from farmers in Alicante and Valencia

The suspect allegedly targeted his victims through agricultural brokers or by contacting them directly in places where they were known to frequent

Alejandro Hernández

Alicante

Martes, 22 de octubre 2024, 13:26

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The Civil Guard of Alicante has investigated the owner of a fruit export company based in Gandía as the alleged perpetrator of six fraud offenses against farmers in the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. The suspect managed to defraud 78 tons of oranges, valued at 20,513.89 euros, according to the authorities.

The operation began in June 2024, after a farmer from the Marina Alta region reported a possible scam in the sale of orange plots. The Roca Team of the Civil Guard Company of Calp, a unit specialized in agricultural crimes, took over the investigations.

As the investigation progressed, officers discovered five additional cases following the same criminal pattern. Moreover, behind all the illicit acts was an administrator of a company specializing in the trade of Valencian oranges and mandarins.

'Modus operandi'

Investigators were able to prove that the suspect's 'modus operandi' involved offering a purchase contract at a high price to gain the trust of farmers. Once the fruit was harvested, the administrator marketed it through his company but failed to make the agreed payments, thus obtaining a considerable profit at the expense of the producers.

The suspect attracted his victims in two ways: through agricultural brokers or by directly contacting farmers in hospitality establishments where they were known to eat or have lunch. To reinforce the deception, he used his company's website, which gave him an appearance of greater credibility.

On September 29, officers managed to link the administrator to all the investigated cases, leading to his formal investigation for six fraud offenses. The proceedings have been sent to the Court of Instruction No. 3 of Dénia.

So far, the Civil Guard has managed to charge six fraud offenses related to the fraudulent purchase of citrus fruits. The victims are from Pego, Pedreguer, Gata, and Gandía. Investigations are ongoing to determine if there are more victims and possible accomplices in this fraud.

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todoalicante The Civil Guard investigates a businessman for defrauding 78 tons of oranges from farmers in Alicante and Valencia