A ‘vulnerable’ British pensioner had his accounts drained of €86,000 by a scamming couple whose fraud was only exposed after his death, police have said.

A man and woman have been arrested by the Guardia Civil over the alleged banking fraud, which occured in Rojales, a town popular with British expats and tourists in southern Alicante province.

The suspects, aged 42 and 41, were detained as part of Operation Rodicare-26 following an investigation that began earlier this year.

The case came to light when a British citizen reported that a deceased relative’s bank accounts had been completely drained. Early enquiries pointed towards people within the victim’s close circle.

Investigators later identified a couple based in Rojales, where they had been living for several years and running an advisory service aimed at foreign residents.

Gained trust before accessing accounts

According to police, the suspects built a relationship of trust with the victim – an elderly man with health issues and no close family in Spain.

They offered help with day-to-day matters, gradually gaining access to his financial affairs.

Between 2019 and 2022, they allegedly carried out multiple transactions, including bank transfers to their own accounts, cash withdrawals and payments in shops.

Some of the withdrawals were reportedly made while the victim was hospitalised and even after his death.

Fraud traced through bank records

By analysing banking documents and working with financial institutions, investigators were able to track the movement of the funds and confirm the alleged fraud.

The arrests were carried out on March 25 and 30. The male suspect is reported to have previous convictions for similar offences.

Both were brought before a court in Torrevieja and released with precautionary measures while the investigation continues.