Barcelona is at the centre of a police investigation after Mossos d'Esquadra arrested two men, aged 19 and 25, over alleged fraud totalling more than €14,600. The force said the arrests were made in Sant Fost de Campsentelles and Martorell on 14 May.
According to the police statement released on Sunday, officers seized laptops, around 30 mobile phones, bank cards, SIM cards, high-end watches and cash during the operation. The case remains open.
Investigators said the men bought stolen phones from different groups of thieves, then used them to access victims' online banking accounts. Police said the alleged fraud included transfers, Bizum payments, online purchases and requests for immediate loans.
To hide their identities, the suspects allegedly used intermediaries, known as mules, to receive the money. Mossos d'Esquadra said one of the arrested men had been detained five times before for similar offences.
The investigation first led to the arrest of a 25-year-old man on 4 February. Police said he was accused of helping create and activate the bank accounts used to receive the stolen funds. Further arrests have not been ruled out.
For more Catalonia crime updates, see our news coverage.
