Spanish authorities have apprehended five individuals involved in a sophisticated online scam where they posed as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt to defraud two women of a total of 325,000 euros ($362,000). The operation, dubbed Operation Bralina, was conducted across eight provinces and led to the investigation of ten additional suspects.
According to a statement released by the Guardia Civil on Monday, one victim lost 175,000 euros ($195,000) while the other lost 150,000 euros ($167,000). Fortunately, the police were able to recover 85,000 euros ($95,000) of the stolen funds.
The fraudsters targeted the victims through a Brad Pitt fan site, where they convinced the women that the actor was interested in investing in projects with them. The scammers meticulously studied the victims' social media profiles to exploit vulnerabilities, such as depression and a lack of affection.
The criminals engaged the victims in conversations via instant messaging platforms, leading them to believe they were communicating directly with Brad Pitt. The fake Pitt promised the women a romantic relationship and a future together, ultimately persuading them to make multiple bank transfers.
Upon realizing they had been deceived, the victims reported the scam to the authorities. Investigators discovered that the scammers had set up a network of bank accounts using forged documents and enlisted individuals as 'mules' to launder money through their own accounts in exchange for a small fee.
This elaborate scheme highlights the dangers of online fraud and the importance of vigilance when engaging with strangers on the internet. The Spanish police's swift action in apprehending the perpetrators serves as a warning to others who may attempt similar scams in the future.
