A large-scale operation has concluded in Spain with the arrest of a group suspected of orchestrating a series of extortion schemes using dating websites. Four residents of Torrelavega—three men and one woman aged between 20 and 25—were taken into custody after investigators linked them to over a hundred cases of blackmail and threats.
The investigation began two years ago, when one of the victims contacted police in Teruel. From that moment, law enforcement officers began a thorough analysis of the suspects’ activities, which revealed a well-structured criminal organization. Their main targets were users of various platforms for dating and intimate encounters.
The scheme used by the perpetrators was highly elaborate. First, they posted fake ads on popular services to attract potential victims. Once contact was made, the criminals began applying pressure: through messaging apps and phone calls, they demanded large sums of money, threatening to disclose intimate details of their victims’ lives to relatives and acquaintances.
If someone refused to pay, the pressure intensified. In some cases, victims were sent frightening videos with violent scenes found online to heighten their fear and force payment. According to investigators, the number of victims has surpassed 120 people across the country.
During the searches in Torrelavega, police officers seized electronic devices, mobile phones, jewelry, cash, and a car. The operation involved several units, including specialists from Cantabria and Teruel. All those arrested were brought before the court, which ordered them to be held in custody pending investigation.
