The investigation dates back some four years ago. Various courts in Spain, including Mallorca, were presented with cases of a type of fraud that had become common. Websites were set up which cloned legitimate ones or used photos taken from other websites. Bookings were made, and when holidaymakers arrived, they were confronted with the fact that they had been conned.
Some 300 instances of this fraud form part of the investigation, the matter having been referred to the Supreme Court, which has decided that the High Court has jurisdiction. In Valencia, the high court there had proposed that the Audiencia Nacional should investigate because of the "very serious damage caused to the confidence in and image of" Spain's tourism industry.
Most of the holidaymakers affected were from various European countries as opposed to Spanish nationals. Mallorca was one of the principal centres of activity for the fraudsters. Ibiza and the Canaries were others. The court in Valencia established that money gained fraudulently was going into bank accounts in Valencia and Madrid.
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I cannot understand how people fall for this. Since when does someone pay form somehting not seen nor checked on. BE AWARE. On long term rental properties there are plenty of these false rentals. I for one have checked photos and prices and contacted the supposed owner to see the property, only to be told he lives in Italy and that I have to send the deposit through a well known Holiday rental web site, before I can see the property. Obviously a rip off. Be careful there are lots of Frauds around. Never send money of personal details to someone you do not know. It is common sense. Keep an eye on the photos, same photos for various differenty properties in different areas of Palma. Totally impossible.