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Spanish authorities have broken up a criminal network accused of laundering millions through gambling platforms by exploiting Ukrainian refugees.
Twelve suspects were detained, eight in Alicante and four in Valencia, after investigators uncovered how the group forced vulnerable women to open bank accounts later used to channel illicit profits.
The operation, carried out with Ukrainian police and backed by Europol and INTERPOL, identified 55 victims and extended searches into both Spain and Ukraine. Officers seized 88 mobile phones, 20 computers, 500 SIM cards, four vehicles, and 22 bots.
Cash worth €73,000 and $4,200 was recovered, alongside €200,000 in cryptocurrency. In addition to the arrests, 153 bank accounts across 11 countries were frozen or blocked. Authorities also estimate the scheme generated €4.75 million.
How the scheme worked?
The investigation stretched over two years, covering crimes from human trafficking to fraud and money laundering, before culminating in a coordinated action day across Spain and Ukraine in June 2025.
At first, the group relied on stolen personal data from Spanish citizens to open accounts. Later, they shifted tactics, targeting Ukrainian women who had temporary protection status in Spain. Investigators say the victims, already in fragile situations due to the war, were completely controlled by the suspects.
The women were sent to Spain, escorted to banks to open accounts, and then returned to Ukraine soon after, according to Europol.
Those accounts were then used in the operation, with the suspects securing credit cards linked to gambling platforms, some registered under stolen identities, others under the victims’ names. More than 3,000 stolen cards and over 5,000 identities from 17 nationalities have been uncovered.
The network even used automated systems to place large bets and maximize returns. Through this method, they deposited around €2.7 million and withdrew over €4.7 million. Investigators also found that government subsidies meant for refugees were diverted into the scheme, with portions of the illegal proceeds invested in luxury real estate.
