Officers of the National Police conducted a successful operation to detain a group involved in fraud in the municipality of Parla in the Madrid autonomous community. The criminals targeted elderly drivers, convincing them of non-existent wheel defects.
The three suspects worked in coordination, waiting for senior drivers on the roads. One would report a supposedly discovered problem, after which a “specialist” would approach and offer an immediate repair. For these services, the perpetrators demanded between 6,000 and 9,000 euros, sometimes even accompanying victims to the nearest bank branches to withdraw cash.
The investigation began in August after several complaints from victims were filed. During the inquiry, police linked five cases in Parla to two similar incidents in Almería. Surveillance was set up to apprehend the suspects, culminating on August 20 with the arrest of one group member in the act of attempting to deceive another pensioner.
At that moment, the two accomplices, noticing the police approach, tried to escape but were detained several hours later as they attempted to leave their residence. All three turned out to be Peruvian citizens between the ages of 33 and 38.
In the vehicle the perpetrators attempted to escape in, authorities found tools, spare parts, work clothes, and numerous stickers bearing car manufacturer logos. These items were used to create the appearance of an official repair operation. Additionally, a significant amount of cash was seized during the search.
All detainees have been charged with forming a criminal group, fraud, and violating traffic safety regulations. Following interrogation, the court ordered them to be remanded in custody.
