Elderly man held captive by couple who scammed him out of 85,000€

National Police officers have freed an elderly man in Alicante. The elderly individual was allegedly held by a couple who were accused of defrauding over 85,000 euros.

Furthermore, it is purported that the individuals who were apprehended forced him into altering his will and conducted bank transfers to third parties in Colombia, concealing the intended recipient of the funds. The victim was able to flee while her captures were asleep. According to the police headquarters, he requested assistance from a neighbour, who then informed the police officers.

In May 2024, the victim encountered a woman at the hospital who suggested that she care for him after learning that he had no family or close acquaintances. This was the beginning of the story. A few days later, she and her husband moved in with her under the pretence of helping him and preventing others from entering the house.

They were attentive and kind for weeks, taking him for walks and establishing his trust. However, they soon enquired about their bank accounts, confidential passwords, potential heirs, and their heritage.

The agreement underwent modifications as the months progressed. The couple persuaded the victim to travel to Colombia, promising to purchase a property in his name. They processed a variety of documents in Colombia, but they never bought him about any property.

During the journey, he endured degrading treatment and humiliation, which worsened his condition and increased his distress. In Spain, his isolation was further exacerbated by the alleged confiscation of the keys to his own home in order to prevent him from leaving, as well as the stopping of his bank visits and the monitoring of his movements.

Taking advantage of the couple’s slumber, the elderly man was able to escape and request assistance from a neighbour, whom he promptly contacted at 091. A patrol that arrived at the scene discovered the victim in a state of anxiety and nervousness. The agents subsequently located and apprehended the alleged perpetrators in the vicinity of the residence after gathering their testimony and verifying the situation.

The Provincial Brigade of the Alicante Judicial Police conducted a subsequent investigation, which disclosed the full extent of the deception. The couple allegedly altered the elderly man’s will in their favour and transferred a total of 85,233.42 euros to bank accounts in Colombia. They made these transfers in the names of third parties to hinder their tracking.

Additionally, the woman registered two motorcycles in her name after acquiring them with a portion of the funds. It is believed that the accused’s son regularly used these vehicles, despite none of the detainees having the authority to operate them. The victim possessed only 270 euros in his bank accounts at the time of the police intervention.

The couple, a 43-year-old male and 53-year-old woman, were apprehended for the offences of fraud and illegal detention. The Alicante investigating court subsequently placed them in custody.