In the latest investigation looking into rural crimes, officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja arrested two business administrators in Beniel (Murcia), and a further intermediary is being investigated, for allegedly defrauding farmers from Alicante and Orihuela in the sale of more than 50,000 kilos of lemons, valued at more than 14,000 euro.
It was reported in February of this year that two fruit and vegetable companies located in Alicante and Orihuela had been victims of a scam for the sale of more than 59,000 kilos of lemons of the Berna variety for a value of 1,4759.87 euro in the years 2021 and 2022.
The Roca Team of the Torrevieja Guardia Civil took charge of the investigations to identify and arrest the alleged fraudsters. In a first phase, the agents discovered that the alleged perpetrators, through a false appearance of solvency of two companies and with the help of an intermediary, gained the trust of the farmers. The criminals bought the merchandise from their victims for a price slightly higher than the market price, which allowed them to negotiate the payment method. However, when the victims tried to collect what was owed, they only received excuses.
The agents discovered that the two companies used were linked and were part of an alleged network created to defraud through the sale of fruit and vegetable products. On April 25, two inspections were carried out at the investigated companies and documentation was obtained for analysis. After arresting the administrators of the companies, who had police records for similar acts, the intermediary of the operations was investigated.
Three Spanish men between the ages of 38 and 79 have been arrested or investigated for two crimes of fraud. The Guardia Civil has informed the Investigating Court of Torrevieja, who will now handle the case, although the investigation remains open.
