The Civil Guard of Alicante has initiated an investigation into the manager of a Gandia-based fruit export company for allegedly committing six fraud offenses against farmers in Valencia and Alicante. The fraudulent activities impacted several municipalities, including Pego, Pedreguer, and Gata, involving the deceptive acquisition of over 78 tonnes of oranges, with a total value of 20,513.89 euros.
The inquiry commenced in June 2024, following a report from a Marina Alta farmer about a potential scam in the orange market. The Roca Team from the Calp Civil Guard Company, focusing on agricultural crimes, spearheaded the investigation. Their findings revealed a consistent fraudulent pattern across five additional cases, all linked to a Gandia-based company dealing in Valencian oranges and mandarins. The company's manager allegedly secured farmers' trust through high-priced purchase contracts, failing to fulfill payment after the distribution of the harvested fruit.
Victims were approached either via agricultural brokers or directly by the suspect at local dining establishments. The use of a company website lent an air of legitimacy to the operations. On September 29, authorities formally linked the manager to all investigated cases, forwarding the findings to the Court of Instruction No. 3 of Dénia for further action. The investigation continues to uncover additional victims and collaborators in the scheme.
Source: LaMarinaAlta