The Guardia Civil has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent online pet adoption and sale adverts, following the arrest of 19 people linked to a criminal organisation operating across Spain.
Operation ‘Magna-Vallis’ uncovered a network accused of defrauding victims through fake advertisements offering puppies and other pets for sale or adoption online. A further three people are under investigation.
So far, officers have identified 121 victims of fraud and 10 victims of identity theft in dozens of provinces, including Malaga, Cádiz, Granada, Almeria, Alicante, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
The Guardia Civil says the true number of victims may be higher, and the investigation remains open.
How the scam worked
According to investigators, the group was based mainly in Bizkaia, with one arrest also made in Burgos.
The suspects allegedly posted fake adverts for pets on online platforms. Once contact was made with a potential adopter or buyer, victims were asked to make progressive payments for supposed costs such as vaccinations, transport, microchipping, cages or paperwork.
Payments were typically requested via Bizum or bank transfer. The animals were never delivered, and the money was not recovered.
To avoid detection, the organisation allegedly used multiple phone numbers, dozens of bank accounts and false or stolen identity documents.
Investigators say the group also used a method known as ‘smurfing’, breaking payments into small amounts to launder money through micro-transactions.
Elderly man allegedly exploited
One of the most serious aspects of the case involves the alleged exploitation of an elderly man in his eighties, who police say was isolated from his family, forced to beg, and used to open multiple bank accounts to facilitate the scams.
This has led to additional charges related to human trafficking and abuse, alongside fraud and money laundering.
Tens of thousands of euros and public money involved
Police estimate that more than €36,000 was directly obtained through the pet scams alone. However, the financial investigation also revealed that members of the group allegedly received social benefits such as the Minimum Vital Income (IMV) and regional support payments.
They are also said to have failed to declare legitimate economic activity and used part of the proceeds to invest in cryptocurrencies, with an estimated market value of over €55,000.
The Guardia Civil believes that more than €560,000 in social benefits may have been obtained improperly.
A total of 57 bank accounts and 23 phone lines linked to the organisation have been judicially blocked.
Charges and ongoing investigation
Those arrested face alleged offences including continuous fraud, money laundering, identity theft, membership of a criminal organisation, human trafficking and physical abuse without injury.
The operation was carried out by the Guardia Civil’s cybercrime unit in Bizkaia and is being overseen by Investigating Court No. 3 of Bilbao.
The investigation remains ongoing to identify more victims, trace additional accounts and attempt to recover stolen funds.
Warning: buying or adopting pets online
The Guardia Civil reminds the public that buying pets online is legal in Spain only if animal welfare rules are respected and sellers are authorised breeders or centres.
They recommend:
- Be suspicious of very low prices or urgent requests to “rehome” an animal
- Always ask for official documentation from the breeder or adoption centre
- Request copies of veterinary records and microchip details
- Never pay upfront or send money via bank transfer, Bizum or unverified online payment platforms
