The Spanish National Police announced the arrest of a young hacker who was found staying in luxury hotels for only a cent per night instead of the usual 1,000 euros. The individual was able to carry out this deception by manipulating an online payment system, selecting the payment option through a well-known international electronic payment platform. By executing a specialized cyber attack, he altered the validation process, enabling the transaction to be authorized after entering merely one cent.

The police apprehended the suspect while he was residing in a high-end hotel in Madrid, where he had already caused financial damages exceeding 20,000 euros to the establishment. Additionally, the hacker reportedly consumed products from the hotel minibar without paying for them, adding to his fraudulent activities. This incident raises significant concerns about the security of online payment systems and highlights how vulnerabilities can be exploited by cybercriminals.

This case marks the first documented occurrence of such a modus operandi, indicating a potential new trend in cyber fraud that could lead to further investigations and tightening of security measures by hotels and payment processors. The arrest not only serves to address this particular crime but also emphasizes the ongoing battle against cybercrime in Spain and globally, as authorities seek to safeguard both consumers and businesses from emerging threats.