crime crack down
Swindles from bases in Malaga affect 1,500 people from all over the world
29.05.08 - 14:36 -
A suspect is handcuffed. / SALVADOR SALAS
'Operación Loto'
Yesterday in an operation which has now been called 'Operación Loto' around 300 National Police officers were out on the streets of Malaga city with the aim of breaking up the network responsible for the 'Nigerian Lottery'.
A total of 55 people were arrested in raids of hundreds of businesses and homes all over the city and in Vélez-Málaga. Those arrested are accused of being part of a powerful network based in Malaga and swindling some 1,500 people all over the world. The nicknamed 'Nigerian Lottery' scam asks people for money - normally an average of 18,000 euros - via mailshot letters with false company details and with the enticement that once they pay the amount requested they will be able to claim a huge prize on the Spanish lottery.
It is estimated that the total income for the network from the lottery scam is more than 27 million euros. One of the worst cases is that of an American citizen who paid up 1.3 million dollars (around 800,000 euros) in the hope of claiming his prize.
