From Peru to Alicante as Fake Tourists: A Network Specialising in Bank 'Scalping' Dismantled

They flew from Peru to Spain disguised as tourists, but in reality, they were part of a criminal network specialising in the 'scalping' method at banks. This technique involves deceiving and distracting elderly victims to steal their cards when they are withdrawing money from ATMs, aiming to extract as much money as possible. In total, the gang is charged with 55 criminal acts across the country, causing financial damage exceeding 85,000 euros.

The four alleged members of the organisation never stayed in Spain for more than three months legally. During this period, they travelled across the country to commit illegal acts. Among the numerous provinces where they operated, Alicante stands out, where the police, along with Zaragoza's, dismantled the itinerant criminal group. Before the authorised maximum stay period ended, the suspects would leave the country, only to return later and repeat the criminal sequence, according to investigation sources.

Investigations began last August in Zaragoza when a gang was detected stealing money from elderly people at ATMs. After more than 300 hours of reviewing security camera footage, the National Police set up a device to locate and arrest the alleged perpetrators, culminating on January 24th in Madrid.

During the arrest, one officer was injured in the foot while trying to prevent the criminals from fleeing in one of the vehicles they used. The fourth member was caught as he attempted to leave the country.

This is a joint operation carried out by the Specialised Crime Units of Alicante and Zaragoza, which successfully dismantled an itinerant criminal group composed of four Peruvian citizens, specialised in committing 'scalping' crimes at banks.

'Scalping' is a criminal technique that involves stealing the victim's bank card through distractions, then observing the personal number (PIN) when the user tries to make a withdrawal at the ATM with a previously swapped card. Once in possession of the card and PIN, the criminals make cash withdrawals until the card is deactivated or runs out of funds. This group mainly targeted elderly individuals, who are more vulnerable when using ATMs.

This is the second dismantling of a group specialised in this criminal method since December, when two members were arrested in the so-called 'Operation Tamariz' in Zaragoza. This gang was attributed with 56 crimes committed in different provinces, amassing loot exceeding 65,000 euros.

These are specialised and repeat offender groups that, due to their high international mobility and lack of criminal records in Spain, can move and commit crimes across the country without being detected, according to the same sources.