Civil Guard dismantles network that impersonated identities to defraud online gambling
Operation began March 2024; 12 arrested, €121,355 claimed in tax filings
Key Takeaways
- The Guardia Civil opened the investigation in March 2024 following a complaint in Tudela de Duero (Valladolid).
- The operation led to 12 people arrested, 11 under investigation and 39 individuals identified outside Spain.
- Investigators attribute 36 offences to the organisation and €121.355 was claimed in tax returns.
- Perpetrators used social engineering and artificial intelligence to obtain identity documents and open accounts on online gambling platforms without consent.
The [Guardia Civil](/regulation) dismantled an international criminal organisation that impersonated identities to operate on online gambling platforms. The investigation began in March 2024 after a complaint filed in Tudela de Duero (Valladolid); investigators identified up to 36 similar reports during the 2025 tax-return campaign and the operation resulted in 12 people arrested, 11 under investigation and 39 identified outside Spain.
How the network operated
The organisation opened accounts on [online gambling platforms](/casino) using third-party personal data, channelled winnings to accounts they controlled and left victims with the tax burden for income they had not earned. The total amount claimed in tax returns amounted to €121.355. Those involved are accused of 36 offences including identity theft, fraud, money laundering, document falsification and membership of a criminal organisation.
Techniques and pretexts used
Investigators found the network used social engineering and artificial intelligence tools to craft messages and narratives tailored to each victim. Scams included fake job offers, fraudulent holiday-rental adverts and non-existent hotel reservations. Using these pretexts they obtained copies of identity documents; once in their possession, they registered accounts on online gambling platforms without the holders’ knowledge or consent.
Jurisdictional reach and effects on victims
The fiscal consequences were detected during the 2025 tax-return campaign, when victims found alleged income from online betting in their draft returns that they had never received. The Guardia Civil attributes to the organisation the submission of those false data to the tax authority and the diversion of winnings to accounts controlled by its members.
"The scale of the fraud became evident during the 2025 tax-return campaign," the police statement said regarding the complaints filed in the jurisdiction.
The investigation has identified 39 people outside Spain and 11 under investigation within national territory, while proceedings remain open.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the investigation that led to the network's arrests begin?
The investigation began in March 2024 after a complaint was filed in Tudela de Duero (Valladolid); that complaint initiated the operation that led to arrests and further identifications.
How many people were arrested and how many are under investigation?
Twelve people were arrested and 11 individuals remain under investigation in Spain; additionally, 39 people were identified outside Spain in connection with the network.
What amounts and offences are attributed to the organisation?
Authorities report €121.355 was claimed in tax returns and attribute 36 offences to the organisation, including identity theft, fraud, money laundering, document falsification and membership of a criminal organisation.
Tags
About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
More from Miguel Sandoval
