$20 Million AI Scam Uncovered in Spain: Criminal Network Exposed

Spanish police have busted a criminal network that used AI to run a global investment scam, arresting six individuals linked to the operation.

The scheme reportedly stole over $20 million from more than 200 victims, employing sophisticated tactics to repeatedly defraud those targeted.

The scam worked in stages, initially tricking victims with promises of high crypto returns through fake online ads featuring famous personalities.

After convincing people to invest, the criminals struck again, posing as investment managers who claimed that funds had been frozen and could be retrieved for a fee. Later, they posed as law enforcement or legal representatives, promising to return the stolen money in exchange for supposed tax payments.

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Victims were not randomly targeted; instead, the scammers used algorithms to identify those likely to fall for the scheme. Once selected, these individuals were bombarded with investment offers promising no risk and high gains. Even when some realized they had been scammed, the fraud continued with follow-up traps designed to exploit their hope of recovering losses.

Spanish authorities uncovered that the operation involved fake companies and multiple false identities—over 50 linked to the leader alone. During raids, police seized electronic devices, fake documents, and a simulated weapon. Investigators also found that the group had spread its activities across several countries, making it a complex, multi-national operation.

Experts have warned about the rise of AI-driven scams, as advanced technology makes it easier and cheaper for criminals to carry out large-scale fraud. The arrests mark a significant step in tackling the use of AI in financial crimes, but authorities are still tracking other members involved in the network.

Alexander Stefanov