Dutch-Spanish Collaboration: Six Suspected Financial Fraudsters Arrested, EUR 6 Million Defrauded

The Arrests

The Hague - In a collaborative effort between the Dutch and Spanish authorities, six individuals have been arrested for allegedly defrauding at least forty individuals out of approximately EUR 6 million. The suspects, who primarily targeted Dutch investors, falsely promised substantial returns (Title: Dutch-Spanish Collaboration).

• Three of the six arrested suspects were detained in the Netherlands.
• The other three were captured in Spain.

Active Judicial Support

• The capture of the suspects was facilitated by the active judicial support of Eurojust.
• The suspects had established bogus investment companies, known as boiler rooms.

Search and Seizure

• Authorities conducted searches at eight locations.
• Several bank accounts were frozen during the operation.

Bogus Investment Companies

The suspects’ companies portrayed a very professional image and online presence. Their representatives, using sophisticated sales techniques, approached potential victims and offered lucrative yet non-existent investments in shares with no real value. The arrested individuals are suspected of committing fraud and malpractice.

Eurojust’s Role

Eurojust played a critical role in:

1. Coordinating judicial support,
2. Information,
3. Evidence exchange through a central coordination center.

Preparation and Collaboration

Before the action, a coordination meeting was held in The Hague last September involving:

• Dutch and Spanish authorities.
• Dutch Public Prosecutors Office Oost-Nederland and Politie Oost-Nederland.
• Spanish Central Investigating Court, Public Prosecutor at the National Court.
• Policia Nacional’s UDEF unit.

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