# Iberian Peninsula online fraud crackdowns

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iberian-peninsula-online-fraud-crackdowns
> Updated: 2026-08-24T20:03:56.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

Law enforcement agencies in Spain and Portugal have conducted operations to dismantle various criminal networks specializing in online fraud and cybercrime.

In Spain, authorities disrupted several schemes. In San Fernando, police arrested four individuals for defrauding 191 victims of over 74,000 euros by posing as buyers on second-hand marketplaces. In Cuenca, the Guardia Civil dismantled a pyramid scheme involving fraudulent remote job offers, while in A Coruña, a ringleader was detained for an identity theft operation involving stolen bank accounts and gambling platforms.

In Portugal, the Polícia Judiciária executed ‘Operation ScamWay,’ resulting in the detention of seven individuals. This network targeted sellers on platforms like OLX and Facebook Marketplace, primarily in the Minho region, causing losses of approximately 80,000 euros. The investigation led to the seizure of documents, computer equipment, and weapons across five municipalities.

## Claims

- The Polícia Judiciária dismantled a criminal network through Operation ScamWay. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The network defrauded more than 20 victims of approximately 80,000 euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Seven people, aged between 24 and 48, were detained. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The group used platforms like OLX and Marketplace to contact sellers. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The suspects used MB WAY and Multibanco for fraudulent transactions. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The network employed money mules to receive stolen funds via bank accounts. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The seven detainees were released under terms of identity and residence. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Searches resulted in the seizure of documents, computer equipment, valuables, weapons, and ammunition. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Portugal authorities dismantle multiple fraud and theft networks

Portuguese police have dismantled several fraud networks, including an online scam ring causing 80,000 euros in losses and a theft ring targeting rural properties. The APB has also issued a fraud alert.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polcia-judiciria-dismantles-online-fraud-network-in-portugal

### 2026-08-23: Spanish police dismantle multiple fraud and identity theft networks

Spanish police have dismantled multiple criminal networks involved in identity theft, fraudulent job offers, and online marketplace scams, affecting hundreds of victims nationwide.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/property-manager-arrested-in-orihuela-for-alleged-fraud

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Cite as: Iberian Peninsula online fraud crackdowns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iberian-peninsula-online-fraud-crackdowns