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Gran Canaria Officer Accused of Tourist Cash-Fine Scam Charged, Released Pending Investigation

A routine audit triggered Operación PAYCASH that traced more than 1,000 annulled cases worth about €135,000.

Overview

  • Guardia Civil investigators say a Mogán Policía Local officer spent roughly five years taking cash from tourists for on-the-spot fines, then canceling the cases in the digital system.
  • The officer was arrested on February 2 and faces allegations of embezzlement of public funds and abuse of office before being freed under judicial conditions.
  • Municipal officials opened a disciplinary file and plan to join the criminal case as a civil party, according to local reporting.
  • Probe findings indicate the actions targeted foreign visitors, often in rental cars around Puerto Rico, using an aggressive approach to pressure immediate cash payment.
  • Authorities continue to seek additional victims and to verify the full scope and duration of the scheme uncovered by the audit and months of surveillance.