The Policía Nacional presented its housing policy programme in Salamanca arrested the manager of a local travel agency on suspicion of ongoing fraud. According to investigators, the losses recorded so far amount to more than 40,000 euros. Around 80 people are believed to have been affected, including many members of older people’s associations.
The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the chair of an older people’s association in Ávila. In February 2026, she had entered into a package holiday contract for more than 60 people and paid advance deposits to the agency over the following months. Shortly before the planned travel date in September 2026 the agency manager was reportedly no longer contactable. When they enquired at the hotel where they were due to stay, the customers discovered that no bookings had been made and no payments received.
Further complaints were received as the investigation in Salamanca continued. According to these, individuals had also paid in advance without flights, accommodation or transfers actually being booked. Some victims arrived to find that no services had been provided; others were unable to travel at all. After her arrest, the suspect was handed over to the competent judicial authorities . Police did not release her identity.
Investigators describe the alleged offence as ongoing fraud, meaning several similar acts committed over an extended period. Whether, and in what form, charges will be brought is now a matter for the courts. No information was initially available about possible accomplices or assets seized.
Those affected are free to file a criminal complaint and, in parallel, sue for repayment under civil law. Regardless of this case, consumer organisations advise using written contracts and secure payment methods, and keeping complete records of transfers.
Regional police reports indicate that Spain regularly sees cases of fraudulent travel offers, often targeting older customers and organised groups. The case now reported in Salamanca fits this pattern. The established facts are the date and place of the arrest, the allegation of ongoing fraud, losses of more than 40,000 euros and the number of victims registered so far: around 80 people. Further assessments and procedural steps remain to be seen.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).