Art. 248 CP
Fraud
Deception via a fake platform producing a prejudicial transfer: six months to three years.
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Crypto · Investment fraud · Throughout Spain
Cryptocurrency fraud lawyer in Spain
Fake exchanges, rug pulls, bogus recovery: crypto fraud leaves a traceable on-chain trail.
Fake trading platforms, bogus crypto brokers, “pig butchering”, rug pulls and fake fund-recovery firms: crypto fraud is prosecuted in Spain as fraud (Articles 248 to 250 of the Criminal Code), usually combined with money laundering. On-chain tracing and qualifying intent are central for victims and accused alike.
In brief. crypto fraud relies on fake exchanges and brokers simulating returns to capture funds. It constitutes fraud (Art. 248), aggravated above 50,000 euros (Art. 250), and is frequently combined with computer fraud, money laundering (Art. 301) and organised crime. Blockchain traceability, wallet analysis and the tracing of funds are decisive.
Key facts
248
Fraud: deception producing a prejudicial act of disposition.
301
Money laundering of the proceeds of crypto fraud: up to six years.
24h
English-speaking lawyer, tracing and defence throughout Spain.
One mechanism an on-chain trail
The core is fraud. Fake platforms, doctored dashboards and simulated returns constitute the deception of Article 248, producing a mistake and prejudicial transfers.
Aggravation and concurrence are the norm. Above 50,000 euros the fraud is aggravated (Art. 250), commonly combined with computer fraud (Art. 248.2), money laundering (Art. 301) and organised crime (Art. 570).
The blockchain leaves a trail. Unlike cash, on-chain flows can be reconstructed to exchange off-ramps; wallet and transaction analysis guides both defence and recovery.
What we handle
The offences involved
Art. 248.2 CP
Computer fraud
Computer manipulation producing a non-consented transfer.
Art. 250.1 CP
Aggravated fraud
Loss above 50,000 € or numerous victims: one to six years.
Art. 301 CP
Money laundering
Concealing the origin of crypto proceeds: six months to six years and fine.
Art. 570 bis CP
Organised group
A structure dedicated to the fraud: substantial aggravation.
Art. 282 bis CP
False investment information
False economic-financial information to attract investors.
“Money mule”
Account holders (mules)
People whose accounts or wallets channel the funds: liability to assess.
Art. 116 CP
Civil liability
Restitution and compensation of the victim.
“Recovery”
Recovery scam
Fake recovery firms defrauding victims a second time.
Penalty framework
Indicative overview
| Offence | Article | Penalty framework | Key aggravating factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 248 | 6 months – 3 years | Multiple victims |
| Computer fraud | 248.2 | 6 months – 3 years | Technical manipulation |
| Aggravated fraud | 250.1 | 1 – 6 years | Loss > 50,000 € |
| Money laundering | 301 | 6 months – 6 years + fine | International network |
| Organised group | 570 bis | Aggravation | Leadership role |
| False investment info | 282 bis | 1 – 4 years | Harm to investors |
| Money mule | 248/301 | By the knowledge shown | Awareness of the origin |
| Civil liability | 116 | Restitution + compensation | On-chain tracing |
Indicative figures based on the Spanish Criminal Code. The penalty depends on the amount, the victims and each person’s role. This table does not replace a lawyer’s analysis.
Our difference
Follow the chain, from wallet to off-ramp
These cases are won on traceability. Wallets, bridges, mixers and exchange off-ramps: reconstructing the on-chain path and identifying the cash-out point guides the defence and the recovery strategy.
We separate the organiser from the mere intermediary. A money mule, a good-faith promoter or a manipulated account holder do not bear the organiser’s liability — which must be established, item by item.
01
On-chain tracing and cooperation with exchanges
02
Distinguishing organiser, promoter and money mule
03
Private prosecution and recovery strategy
04
Defence against aggravated fraud and laundering charges
How we act
A structured defence at every stage
Phase 01
Analysis of on-chain flows and evidence
Phase 02
Complaint, investigation and interim measures
Phase 03
Identifying those responsible and the assets
Phase 04
Trial and reparation
Who we represent
Very different situations
V
Victims
Investors deceived by fake platforms seeking to recover funds.
M
Account holders
People accused as money mules or presumed intermediaries.
A
Promoters
People who promoted a platform without knowing it was fraudulent.
E
Businesses
Companies facing impersonation or suspicious flows.
Related
Related pages
FAQ
What you should know
Is crypto fraud a criminal offence in Spain?
Yes. Fake platforms or brokers simulating returns constitute fraud (Art. 248), aggravated (Art. 250) where the loss exceeds 50,000 euros.
Can crypto funds be recovered?
Often, through on-chain tracing to exchange off-ramps, interim measures and platform cooperation. Beware “recovery” firms, often a second scam.
I am accused of being a money mule: what do I risk?
It depends on your knowledge of the funds’ origin. A manipulated holder does not bear the organiser’s liability; the defence establishes the absence of intent.
Is laundering added to the fraud?
Frequently. Concealing the origin of crypto proceeds is money laundering (Art. 301), in concurrence with the fraud.
Are these cases international?
Almost always. Funds cross several countries and platforms, requiring coordination for defence and recovery.
What should I do immediately?
Preserve wallets, transaction hashes and communications, and contact the firm, available 24/7 throughout Spain.
Speak to a criminal lawyer
In a fast-track case, the days you have are the case.
Criminal defence in English before the courts of Alicante and the rest of Spain, for residents and for visitors who have flown home.
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