26 University of Almería Graduates Scammed by Travel Agency, Losing Nearly 15,000 Euros
While planning their graduation trip to Malta, 26 graduates from the University of Almería unfortunately fell victim to an elaborate scam orchestrated by a travel agency. The agency suddenly vanished after collecting nearly 15,000 euros in tour fees. Spanish prosecutors have intervened and formally indicted the agency’s director.
Ruined Graduation Trip: No Bookings Found Seven Days Before Departure
The victims are all recent physiotherapy graduates from the University of Almería. To celebrate the successful completion of their studies, the 26 students had planned a graduation trip to Malta well in advance. After comparing various options, they contacted the director of a local travel agency and booked an all-inclusive holiday package.
Under the director’s instructions, the students transferred the full tour payment of 14,719 euros in installments to a designated bank account. However, with just seven days left before their scheduled departure, the director suddenly cut off all communication and seemingly vanished into thin air. Sensing something was wrong, the students immediately called their intended hotel in Malta to verify, only to be told that the hotel system had no record of their reservation whatsoever.
Physical Store Closed: Missing Tour Funds
After confirming the hotel had not received any bookings, the students rushed to the travel agency’s local physical store seeking an explanation. Instead, they were met with locked doors; the shop had already ceased operations. Further investigation revealed that the company had officially declared bankruptcy.
This sudden turn of events not only resulted in the total loss of their prepaid 14,719 euros but also completely shattered the highly anticipated graduation celebration of these young adults who had just stepped out of university, inflicting a heavy financial and psychological blow.
Prosecutors File Formal Charges: Director Faces a Three-Year Sentence
Following a collective police report filed by the victimized students, legal proceedings were officially initiated. The local prosecutor’s office has now indicted the travel agency’s director. Prosecutors allege that the director, fully aware of the company’s deteriorating financial situation and inability to fulfill the contract, still collected funds from the students, committing the serious crimes of embezzlement and fraud.
Based on these charges, prosecutors have submitted a sentencing recommendation to the court, seeking a three-year prison term for the director. After a lengthy judicial wait, the case is about to enter the formal trial phase, where the law will deliver a fair verdict for the 26 graduates who suffered significant losses.
