TREASURE GANG CAPTURED.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8964, 4 November 1907, Page 4

TREASURE GANG CAPTURED.

A most important capture was made by the Spanish police in Madrid. By a ruse they succeeded in securing a gang of seven persons, who have been carrying on what is known the world over as the “Spanish Treasure” frauds. The capture was effected through the instrumentality of a Strasbourg gentleman, who had been one of their victims, and the German Consul at Madrid. The method of the swindlers was to send a letter to some well-to-do person in England, France, Germany, or America, purporting to come from a prisoner who was in gaol for some political offence. It would go on to , state that the prisoner in question ' knew of some vast amount of money • secreted by the Oarlists or by some secret society. It the receiver of the I letter would scud enough money to secure the prisoner’s release, in gratitude and always providing expenses were paid, lie would proceed t to secure the treasure and share it j with his benefactor. From documents found in possession of the prisoners, it is shown that during the last fifteen mouths, they had netted no loss than £14,000 from dupes in various countries. It is believed there is yet another gang working the swindle on similar lines.