Four members of a family in Valencia are accused of operating an investment scheme that allegedly defrauded at least 81 people of a combined €1 million. The Guardia Civil led the investigation, which focused on suspects based in Silla and El Perellonet. They are alleged to have drawn investors in through a fake investment website and personal connections.
The alleged scheme involved a company presented as an investment business and a website where returns were manipulated, information from the case account. The group reportedly attracted around 700 clients. Early investors were allegedly paid with money from later investors, creating the appearance of profits and encouraging further deposits, a pattern commonly described as a Ponzi scheme.
The family is also alleged to have used social connections and appearances at charity events to build trust. Public figures were reportedly brought in to bolster the scheme’s credibility. The investigation was reportedly codenamed “Trettifire.” Its basic allegation is that money from new investors went to earlier participants rather than coming from genuine economic activity.
The alleged proceeds reportedly funded a lavish lifestyle. Figures attributed to the investigation include €343,000 in cash withdrawals and €149,000 spent on technology platforms and services. Searches reportedly yielded €26,000 in cash and a high-end vehicle. Electronics were also found, along with designer handbags; the confiscated items were valued at €257,429. The account also lists €235,000 frozen in bank accounts and properties valued at €1.27 million that were blocked. Authorities reportedly seized 11 vehicles and nine properties, as well as luxury watches and IT equipment.
The four people arrested reportedly include two women aged 35 and 38 and two men aged 30 and 46. The reported allegations comprise 81 counts of fraud, one of document forgery, one of money laundering and one of membership in a criminal organization. Four other family members, two women aged 68 and 71 and two men aged 70 and 73, are also reported to be under investigation.
The case was reportedly handled by the Economic Crimes Unit of the Valencia Command, with proceedings submitted to Valencia Plaza Court No. 1. The Guardia Civil was said to be seeking further information from Spanish and international banks to establish the full extent of the assets involved.
The allegations describe a scheme built on personal trust and an online investment platform. The Guardia Civil has also drawn attention in other high-profile matters, including the Prime Minister’s decision not to dismiss the force’s director amid an internal probe, as detailed in coverage of government responses to internal investigations.
Pyramid and Ponzi schemes rely on continued inflows of money to meet promises made to earlier participants. When new investments stop, that structure can collapse. Here, the alleged use of personal networks alongside a controlled website shows how social trust and digital presentation can attract investors.
