Arrests Made in Tàrrega Following Property Fraud Investigation

The Mossos d'Esquadra detained a 74-year-old man and his 50-year-old daughter in Tàrrega last Tuesday on suspicion of committing fraud in a property transaction in Cambrils, according to official reports from the Catalan police force. The pair are suspected of deceiving a man who attempted to purchase a home advertised online, convincing him to make multiple bank transfers totalling over €200,000. The investigation began in early September after the victim filed a complaint with authorities in Tarragona, stating he had been led to believe he could secure the property through the couple's claimed expertise in real estate auctions. The suspects, presenting themselves as specialists and intermediaries in auction processes, assured the man they could guarantee the successful acquisition of the property. Over several months, the couple maintained contact with the victim, providing fabricated documentation related to the auction and requesting further payments under various pretexts, including partial purchase instalments and professional fees. However, checks by the Mossos with judicial authorities confirmed that the required payments to finalise the auction had not been made within the stipulated timeframe, meaning the property was never awarded to the victim.

Investigators verified that the bank account receiving the victim's transfers was linked to the suspects. Both individuals have prior criminal records across Catalonia for similar fraudulent activities. They were arrested in Tàrrega and appeared before the investigating court in Reus on Thursday.

The suspects presented themselves as specialists and intermediaries in property auctions, gaining the victim’s trust through false assurances.

This case forms part of a broader pattern of property-related frauds investigated by the Mossos, who have previously uncovered networks exploiting real estate transactions to defraud victims across Spain. The total financial damage in related cases has reached 1.2 million euros, according to a Generalitat report.

Residents are advised to verify property listings through official channels and avoid transferring funds without legal oversight. For guidance on identifying fraud, the Mossos d'Esquadra offer public advice documents, including guidelines on avoiding the 'fake son' scam, which outline tactics used in impersonation and financial deception. Victims of suspected fraud can report incidents online via the Mossos d'Esquadra internet reporting portal or in person at any police station.

Primary sources: Dep. Interior Generalitat Catalunya, mossos.gencat.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by elcaso.elnacional.cat, diarimes.com, revistacambrils.cat, diaridetarragona.com, ABC, ACN, Diari de Tarragona, elpuntavui.cat, lesvegueries.cat, elpais.com, RTVE.es, G.G.G, rac1.cat, reusdigital.cat.