Cybercrime Surges in Spain as Online Fraud Hits Record Highs
Cybercrime in Spain has reached record levels, accounting for nearly 20% of all criminal activity with over 488,000 reported cases last year, primarily driven by a surge in online fraud.
Cybercrime is now one of Spain’s most significant security challenges, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all reported criminal activity. According to the 2025 Cybercrime Report from the Ministry of the Interior, the digital world has become the primary arena for crime, with 488,426 complaints filed last year—a 5.1% increase from the previous year.
In the Canary Islands, cases are also rising, with 17,393 incidents recorded—636 more than the year before. Las Palmas reported 9,959 of these cases, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife saw 7,434. Across Spain, these crimes are heavily concentrated in Andalusia, Catalonia, and Madrid, which together account for nearly half of all incidents. The Canary Islands currently rank ninth in the national list.
Online fraud remains the most common offense, making up nearly 90% of all reported incidents. This type of crime grew by 4% compared to 2024, while digital forgery saw a sharper rise of 11.3%. The report also notes an increase in online threats and crimes against sexual freedom, though there was a decline in intellectual property violations and data system interference.
Police are becoming more effective, with an 11.4% increase in solved cases. Since 2021, the authorities' resolution rate has jumped by 54.6%, with 71,340 cases resolved. However, the Ministry of the Interior notes that the global nature of these crimes, along with the use of encryption and online anonymity, continues to make investigations difficult, requiring more investment and better international judicial cooperation.
The typical offender is a Spanish male between the ages of 26 and 40. The number of victims is also rising, reaching 383,285—a 9.3% increase. People aged 51 to 65 are the most vulnerable, with payment-related scams, such as credit card fraud, affecting over 146,000 people.
Finally, the report highlights security in critical infrastructure, where cyberattacks dropped by 43.8%, with 90 incidents recorded. The transport sector was the main target, accounting for over 42% of these attacks, followed by the technology sector. These figures emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance, especially as cybercrime remains a year-round threat, peaking in July.