Spanish law enforcement has reported the arrest of a person suspected of infiltrating a hotel group’s online reservation platform, enabling the booking of high-end rooms for just one cent per night.
Investigation into Unusual Transactions
The Spanish National Police stated that the suspect allegedly manipulated the hotel chain’s booking system to secure luxury accommodations at a drastically reduced rate. The incident reportedly took place in Marbella, a city located on Spain’s southern coast.
Authorities indicated that the investigation began after the hotel group noticed irregularities in their reservation records. The company observed that certain bookings for premium rooms had been processed at a price of €0.01 per night, prompting a review of their digital infrastructure.
Details of the Cyber Intrusion
According to police, the suspect exploited a vulnerability in the hotel’s online booking platform. This allowed unauthorized access to the system, enabling the modification of room prices and the creation of fraudulent reservations.
Officials explained that the individual used this access to book multiple stays at the luxury hotel for a nominal fee, well below the standard rate. The suspect is also alleged to have attempted to resell some of these reservations to third parties.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the discovery of the unauthorized bookings, the hotel group contacted law enforcement. Investigators traced the activity to the suspect, who was subsequently detained by police in Marbella.
The accused faces charges related to computer fraud and unauthorized access to computer systems. Authorities have not disclosed the name of the hotel group or the suspect, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Hotel Group’s Response
The hotel group has reportedly taken steps to address the security breach and prevent further incidents. According to police, the company has implemented additional safeguards within its online reservation system.
For further information, the original report can be found at this link.
