Criminal gang dismantled in Santa Lucía after multiple digital banking scams

After months of investigation, the 2nd Precinct of Santa Lucía, in Canelones, together with the Prosecutor's Office, managed to dismantle a criminal organization comprised of four individuals—two Cuban women, an Argentinian man, and a Uruguayan man—who were dedicated to committing fraud, computer fraud, and money laundering.

According to the Canelones Police Headquarters, the group operated using sophisticated digital methods. Through deception, they obtained the personal information of their victims—mostly bank customers—and then accessed their accounts to transfer money to third parties. These transfers were disguised through piecemeal deposits and simulated purchases.

Those involved were convicted by the courts. The 33-year-old Argentinian received the highest sentence: three years and six months in prison for criminal conspiracy, repeated fraud, computer fraud, and money laundering.

One of the Cuban women, 49, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, although she will serve her sentence on probation. The other, 45, received a six-month sentence, also on probation, for receiving stolen goods.

The only Uruguayan in the group—45 years old and with a criminal record for theft and receiving stolen goods—was sentenced to 12 months in prison for criminal conspiracy and fraud as an accomplice.

Sentences under probation include community service, establishing a residence, and reporting weekly to the corresponding police station.

Authorities emphasized that these types of scams are on the rise and that greater caution is needed with personal data. "It's not just a cybersecurity issue: it's a modern form of theft that affects anyone who trusts their information online," said a law enforcement source.