Authorities dismantled a criminal network that exploited vulnerable Ukrainian women to open bank accounts used for illicit betting activity.
 

Key Points

Spanish authorities arrested 12 suspects linked to a money laundering network connected to online gambling platforms

The scheme exploited vulnerable Ukrainian women to open bank accounts used to move illicit funds

Authorities estimate the criminal organisation generated around €4.75m ($5.4m) through the operation
 

Spanish authorities have arrested 12 individuals suspected of operating a criminal network that used online gambling platforms to launder illicit funds.

Eight suspects were detained in Alicante and four in Valencia.

Investigators believe the group generated approximately €4.75m through a scheme that combined gambling fraud, money laundering and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

According to authorities, the criminal organisation recruited Ukrainian women who had been granted temporary protection status in Spain after fleeing the war in Ukraine. 

The victims were allegedly transported to Spain, accompanied to banks where accounts were opened and then returned to Ukraine shortly afterwards.

These accounts were then used to move illicit proceeds connected to fraudulent activities.

Police said the group obtained numerous credit cards linked to the accounts and connected them to online gambling platforms. Some accounts were created using stolen Spanish identities while others were registered in the victims’ names.

Investigators have identified more than 3,000 stolen credit cards and over 5,000 stolen identities from 17 different nationalities as part of the scheme.

Authorities also believe the criminal network used automated systems to carry out large-scale betting activity. Investigators said the suspects deposited more than €2.7m into gambling accounts and withdrew over €4.7m.

The investigation lasted two years and culminated in coordinated action in June 2025 across Spain and Ukraine.

Police also confiscated €73,000 and $4,200 in cash as well as €200,000 in cryptocurrency.

Investigators froze or identified 153 bank accounts across 11 countries linked to the scheme. Authorities also reported that some of the illicit funds had been invested in luxury real estate.

 

 

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