A churro shop worker in Marbella has been arrested for allegedly siphoning off $86,000 from the cash register over the course of a year. According to the National Police, the employee exploited a flaw in the payment system to insert and return bills, pocketing the change without detection. This surprising discovery has raised questions about how such a large-scale fraud could have gone unnoticed for so long.
In the beginning, everything seemed normal—daily transactions matched the number of customers who visited the shop. However, the owners grew suspicious when the actual funds collected kept falling short of the register’s recorded receipts. Ultimately, technicians ruled out any mechanical malfunction, prompting an investigation that led to surveillance footage. The video allegedly showed the suspect inserting cash and quickly retrieving it, all while taking the change the machine dispensed.
Investigators reveal how a simple payment machine flaw remained undetected for months
Agents believe that the worker took advantage of quiet moments, even going so far as to come back after hours. By using high-value banknotes, he could manipulate the machine’s input-output sequence and repeatedly keep the returned change.
This systematic approach may sound elaborate, but it was discovered by comparing receipts against actual cash deposited. It took nearly a year for these discrepancies to become obvious enough that the owner contacted experts and, eventually, the police. Take a look at the core details uncovered by investigators:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Marbella, Spain |
| Amount Allegedly Stolen | $86,000 |
| Duration | Approximately one year |
| Fraud Mechanism | Tampering with automated payments |
| Legal Status | Arrested and bank accounts frozen |
Were the shop owners fined for not noticing earlier? The answer is no, but officials suggest that more rigorous monitoring could have prevented such substantial losses.
Follow these essential steps to reduce your risk of employee-related financial fraud
Security experts recommend a series of measures to curb opportunistic theft. First, regularly compare recorded sales with physical takings to spot any unusual patterns. Second, position cameras directly in front of payment stations. Third, conduct external audits or internal reviews to ensure accountability. These straightforward steps can help owners quickly catch suspicious actions and avoid severe financial damage.
For now, the suspect faces potential criminal charges, and his property has been searched for more evidence. The case remains under investigation to determine whether any accomplices were involved or if other businesses fell victim to similar tactics. A thorough assessment of payment systems is advised for any shop that relies heavily on automated registers, so owners can operate with peace of mind.