The Civil Guard has carried out an operation in Málaga that has resulted in the dismantling of a criminal organisation dedicated to bank fraud. The operation, known as "Fragmenta", has culminated in 13 arrests and the identification of nearly 2,000 victims.
This initiative began in 2024 following a report from a citizen who reported the loss of approximately 30,000 euros. The information gathered allowed the authorities to link several complaints and uncover a complex criminal network operating at a national level.
Methods used by the organisation
The scammers employed smishing and phishing techniques, sending mass SMS messages that appeared to be from banks to deceive victims. These messages led to fraudulent websites where the affected individuals entered their online banking credentials.
Subsequently, the criminals communicated by phone, posing as bank employees to obtain verification codes and complete fraudulent transactions. Once they gained control of the accounts, they made transfers and requested loans in the victims' names, further increasing the economic damage.
Results of the investigation
In the final phase of the operation, three searches were carried out, two in Valencia and one in Madrid, where mobile phones, electronic devices, and a database containing financial and personal information of approximately 500,000 individuals were confiscated. So far, around 2,000 potential victims have been identified.
The Civil Guard has also issued recommendations to the public to avoid becoming victims of such frauds. Banking entities do not request sensitive information by phone or email, and it is advised to verify any suspicious communication directly with the corresponding entity.
The investigation has been conducted by the Cybercrime Team (EDITE) and the @ Team of the Civil Guard Command in Castellón, and it remains open to identify more affected individuals.
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