World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Nine arrested in Spain over fake rental listings that allegedly defrauded 80 people
Spanish police arrested nine people in Asturias over alleged online rental scams affecting people across Spain.
The suspects allegedly used fake or copied listings for below-market homes to attract people looking for affordable housing.
They asked interested renters to pay a deposit, reservation fee, insurance or rent by bank transfer or phone payment, then stopped responding.
Police say the scheme defrauded more than 80 people of over €80,000, though investigators have not ruled out more victims.
Five people are suspected of belonging to the group, while four allegedly acted as bank-account intermediaries, receiving and transferring money for a commission.
Police say the group opened about 115 accounts, including some abroad, to move the money and get around preventive bank blocks.
The investigation began after complaints early in 2026, and all nine detainees have been referred to judicial authorities.
Spanish police arrested nine people in Sotrondio, Asturias, over alleged fake online rental listings.
Police say the group defrauded more than 80 people of over €80,000 across Spain.
The suspects allegedly advertised properties below market prices and asked prospective tenants to pay deposits or other fees.
Investigators say the money was routed through about 115 bank accounts, including accounts abroad.
Five of the arrested are considered suspected members of the group, while four allegedly acted as financial intermediaries.
- Who
- Nine people arrested; police say five were suspected group members and four acted as financial intermediaries.
- What
- They are accused of defrauding more than 80 people through fake online rental listings.
- When
- The investigation began early in 2026. The arrests took place on 14 October.
- Where
- The arrests and three home searches took place in Sotrondio, Asturias; the alleged fraud affected people across Spain.
- Why
- Police say the suspects used cheap rental offers to exploit people seeking housing and obtain advance payments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Police in Langreo began investigating after receiving complaints about fake rental listings.
Police carried out three home searches in Sotrondio and arrested nine people.
- Arrests
- 9 people
- Alleged victims
- More than 80 people
- Alleged proceeds
- More than €80,000
- Bank accounts
- About 115
- Searches
- 3 homes in Sotrondio
- Arrest location
- Sotrondio, Asturias