Overview
- Police in Madrid arrested a man they say ran a rental fraud tied to 32 complaints and more than €85,000 in losses.
- Investigators say he used false identities to post long‑term listings, dealt only through messaging apps, and pressed victims to pay large deposits and fees to reserve flats.
- He allegedly rented tourist apartments to film virtual tours, hired unwitting assistants for in‑person showings, and left multiple renters showing up to the same door expecting keys.
- Searches of two addresses recovered house lists, appointment schedules, SIM and bank cards, and photo gear, and victims’ ID papers were reused to open accounts and dress up fake contracts.
- ABC reports he is a 48‑year‑old Lithuanian who was released with charges as a judge imposed a travel ban, and police say the case remains in court.