Fake doctor arrested in the Costa del Sol after treating patients for 30 years
A fraudulent 'doctor,' accused of practising medicine without any qualifications for over 30 years, has been arrested in Rincón de la Victoria, situated on the eastern coast of the Costa del Sol. The 56-year-old suspect operated from his home in Torre de Benagalbón and was detained by the Guardia Civil following investigations into alleged swindling and unauthorised medical treatments.
His arrest came after two victims reported losses of 240,000 and 80,000 euros, respectively, for treatments administered by the fake medical practitioner. The Guardia Civil initiated the inquiry in January, monitoring the suspect's residence where patients were observed entering and leaving continuously.
The ‘doctor’, who saw around a dozen patients daily, claimed to treat various health conditions, using alternative medicine practices such as special herbs during 30-minute appointments. The suspect falsely claimed to teach pathological anatomy at the University of Granada, a claim debunked by the police. Additionally, he used a stamp on medical reports, falsely declaring himself as a rehabilitation doctor with a fabricated membership number.
Investigators estimate that the fake doctor could earn between 400 and 600 euros a day when he worked, and when arrested the Guardia Civil seized various medical reports, blood tests, ultrasounds, MRI scans, and two diaries documenting appointments, patient names, and charges for supposed treatments.
The authorities are currently aware of 10 victims and are continuing their investigation to identify additional ones as some declined to report the scam due to embarrassment, while others expressed satisfaction with the treatments received.
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