Three British nationals arrested in Calpe for elderly fraud

The Guardia Civil has arrested three British nationals in Calpe, Spain, for allegedly operating a criminal group that targeted a 91-year-old British expatriate. The suspects, consisting of two men aged 64 and 67 and a 62-year-old woman, are accused of aggravated fraud, coercion, harassment, and belonging to a criminal organization.

According to investigators, the group employed a systematic campaign of isolation and psychological manipulation to seize the victim's assets. Tactics included changing the locks on her home, withholding her passport, blocking telephone contact with her family and friends, and redirecting her mail to an external mailbox. They also reportedly installed surveillance cameras to monitor her movements and visitors.

Through these methods, the suspects allegedly obtained approximately 17,000 to 20,000 euros in cash from her bank accounts and manipulated her into changing her will under the false pretense of signing inheritance documents. The investigation, named ‘Operación Confide’, was launched after the victim's children reported her progressive isolation. While the suspects were released following judicial proceedings, a restraining order has been issued to protect the victim.