Arrested a builder in Palma for charging 23,000 euros for some works that he did not start
The works did not start and the builder first alleged that he had not received the permits and, subsequently, that he had to undergo an operation
PalmaThe National Police have arrested in Palma the head of a construction company as the alleged perpetrator of a scam against a woman who handed over more than 23,000 euros to renovate her home and build a swimming pool, work that never even started. The investigation dates back to the end of February, when the victim contacted a construction and renovation company in Palma and agreed with the manager on a budget of more than 46,000 euros to carry out various works on a property she owned.
According to the police force, the victim initially paid more than 4,600 euros at the time of signing the contract and then another 18,400 euros for the construction work to begin. The work did not start on the agreed dates and the builder first claimed that he had not yet received the necessary urban planning permits and, subsequently, that he had to undergo surgery, and gave the client a new date to start the work.
Faced with suspicions, the woman consulted the Urban Planning department about the status of the permits and was informed that there was no record of a license application to carry out the work, neither in her name nor in the name of the construction company.
The victim tried to contact the head of the company again, who stopped answering calls and messages, and filed a complaint for an alleged scam of more than 23,000 euros.
The National Police initiated an investigation that allowed them to identify and locate the builder, who was arrested last Wednesday and brought before the courts.