His identity card was stolen and he is being investigated for fraud: the ordeal of a young Biscayan

A young Biscayan is living in a real judicial nightmare because, two years ago, on a trip to Malaga, his ID was stolen. Since then, his identity has been used to commit various scams over the Internet. He has been involved in at least three legal proceedings in Cadiz, Malaga and Asturias.

Back then, Irati, who was 20 years old and was studying Primary Education, recalled that it all started in 2023, when he went with his basketball team to Malaga to play a tournament. "We went out last night and they stole my wallet in my jacket pocket," he recounted, where he was carrying his ID, driver's license, health card and some cash.

He filed a complaint with the Civil Guard and thought the incident would stay there. "The first thing I thought was money, because I could renew the ID. I didn't imagine that robbery would be pursued so long later," he says.

From victim to suspect

A year later, the Civil Guard called him to warn him that his document number was being used to commit fraud in the hiring of telephone linesin several provinces and the online sale of dog and cat offspring. On his advice, Irati went to a police station in the Ertzaintza to report the usurpation of his identity, which he did not attach too much importance to at the time.

A few weeks ago, however, a court in Puerto Real (Cadiz) sent him a certified letter stating that another case of fraud was being investigated. "I went with my father to the Ertzaintza to report it again, and there I was told I had an arrest warrant for a trial that had not taken place in Asturias, "he explains, still surprised.

Although he made it clear that he had never heard of this summons, the officers had to arresthim for "protocol." "I had to tell him again what had happened. My father was terribly scared to see me arrested," he remembers with anguish.

He said the young man is now living in fear. "I'm afraid to travel or identify and be arrested again. I'm also worried to see that's going to cause me trouble when I look for a teacher job."

His lawyer has not yet had access to judicial records or to the documentation of the three cases in which he appears as an investigator, but they hope to be able to prove his innocence. "I just want you to clarify this and turn the page," he concludes.