Agents of the National Police have dismantled a criminal organization dedicated to the scam known as 'child in distress', which has defrauded over 220,000 euros from dozens of people throughout Spain. The operation culminated in the arrest of 42 individuals, 34 men and 8 women, all residents of the city of Valencia and other municipalities in the province.
Investigations began in June 2025, after several reports alerted authorities to this scam method. The Cybercrime Group of the Provincial Judicial Police Brigade of Valencia took over the case, successfully identifying and locating the alleged perpetrators. In total, 46 national complaints have been clarified, with the defrauded amount totaling 221,477 euros.
The scammers exploit the trust of victims, impersonating their children through instant messaging applications and requesting money under various urgent pretexts.
Prompt police action allowed several ongoing scams to be halted and fraudulent transfers totaling 18,924 euros to be blocked, which were then returned to their rightful owners. This scam involves criminals contacting victims, often elderly individuals, posing as their children and urgently requesting money for supposed needs, such as buying a new mobile phone.
The scammed amounts were received in bank accounts held by individuals known as 'mules', who collaborate with the criminal organization. These 'mules' are recruited in various ways, including false job offers or payment of a percentage of the loot. During the investigation, eight individuals acting as 'mule' recruiters were identified and arrested.
The National Police emphasizes the importance of reporting any attempt to be recruited as a 'mule' or to be a victim of this scam to block accounts and recover funds. Collaboration with authorities avoids criminal liability, whereas participating in sending money makes an individual an accomplice to the crime.
