Puente de Vallecas gang that defrauded more than 70,000 people using financial ‘mules’ falls

The investigation began more than a year ago, in October 2024, after a complaint was received from one side, claiming that a criminal network had caused economic damage of almost 75,000 euros, in addition to another 7,000 sold for the granting of credit, reported the Madrid National Police Headquarters.

As the investigation progressed, it turned out that this organization had what are called financial “mules”, that is to say people who wanted to make money in a “quick and easy” way. via social networkshe indicates. These people are an essential part of this gang since they are the ones who allow this scam to start and who also make it difficult to identify the ringleaders.

Once the bank accounts were activated, credit cards were obtained which passed directly into the hands of the scammers, who used them for shopping, betting and casinos, spending sums of money “uncontrolled and impulsive”, both through physical and online purchases and in casinos and betting houses.

On November 7, the National Police carried out three entries and searches in Puente de Vallecas, during which 11 people were arrested, 9 men and 2 women, among whom were the leaders of the organization.

Of these men, six are Spanish – born between 1998 and 2006 – and three others are from the Dominican Republic – aged 20, 29 and 30 –, seven of them having criminal records. As for the women, both are Spanish and born in 2005. All were placed at the disposal of the judicial authority.

During these searches, the National Police seized computer equipment, cell phones, watches, blank bank cards, magnetic stripe recorders, a firearm, more than 3,000 euros in cash and various narcotic substances, including methamphetamine.