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Date Published: 05/03/2024

Three ringleaders arrested for unbuilt property scam in Aguilas

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The scammers stole millions in security deposits from unsuspecting home buyers in Almería, Almuñécar, Málaga and Águilas

Three ringleaders arrested for unbuilt property scam in Aguilas

In a major blow to organised crime, the Guardia Civil has arrested three top executives of real estate development company Grupo 21 on charges of document falsification and fraud. The suspects are accused of selling homes in residential projects that did not exist, defrauding hundreds of unsuspecting buyers in the provinces of Almería, Almuñécar, Málaga and Águilas.

The investigation, code-named ‘Operation Posidonia’, began several months ago and the probe eventually revealed that Grupo 21 had been engaging in a systematic scheme to deceive potential buyers, using high-pressure sales tactics and false promises to convince them to purchase homes in non-existent developments.

According to officials, the scam involved falsifying documents to make it appear as though the company owned plots of land where the developments were supposed to be built. They then advertised the fake projects on billboards and online, pressuring potential buyers to put down a 10% deposit to secure their dream home. The company even went so far as to offer refund guarantees to assuage any doubts potential customers may have had.

But the truth was far from it. The deposits, totalling somewhere in the region of 20 million euros, were simply pocketed by the company's ringleaders.

More than 1,200 people, including 80 families from Águilas and 700 from Almería, fell victim to the scam, losing significant sums of money in the process.

"We were promised a beautiful life in a new home, and instead we got nothing but lies and empty promises," said one victim, who wished to remain anonymous.

"I've lost my entire life savings, and I don't know how I'll ever get it back."

The scope of the scandal is staggering. Grupo 21 operated 12 companies across six different provinces, including Huelva, Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Málaga and Almería, employing a vast network of agents and middlemen to push their fraudulent schemes. Their offices in Aguadulce and Puerta Purchena in Almería have since been shut down, and the company's assets have been frozen pending further investigation.

"We will not tolerate such brazen criminal activity in our country," said a spokesperson for the Guardia Civil.

"We will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve."

For now, the affected families can only hope for a resolution to their nightmare. Many have been left financially ruined, struggling to make ends meet after losing their life savings to the scam.

In other news: Aguilas man arrested for capturing and keeping wild birds

Image: Guardia Civil

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