León Court sentences Woman Known as “Queen of Burundanga” to 17.5 Years for Scopolamine Crimes
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The Provincial Court of León has delivered a 17.5-year prison term to a woman identified by the alias “NTG,” widely known as the “Queen of Burundanga.” The sentence covers six crimes of aggravated injuries and robbery with violence, all linked to the use of scopolamine to subjugate victims, alongside ongoing fraud.
The court also ordered more than €200,000 in civil compensation for the victims, with legal interest accruing until full payment, and obliged the defendant to cover the procedural costs tied to the crimes for which she was convicted.
Timeline Of The Case
The incidents trace back to 2016, when the defendant, after substantial losses in online poker, faced mounting debts and allegedly faked cancer to solicit money for supposed treatments. A family close to her learned of the situation and provided around €200,000 in assistance.
When that family pressed for repayment, NTG intensified her use of scopolamine. the first known case occurred in February 2018,with several trusted relatives and others in her circle becoming victims.
during 2018 and 2019, she reportedly used the drug on multiple occasions to obtain funds from victims, including members of the same family and others close to them. The court noted serious intoxication symptoms that required hospital admission in some instances.
The tribunal found proven that chemical submission of victims in several cases left them defenseless, a vulnerability NTG exploited to steal money and execute bank transfers for her benefit.
The ruling also established that the defendant deceived members of the same family by pretending to suffer from cancer, leveraging the father’s illness and the family’s ties to obtain large loans for supposed medical treatments.
Judgment Details
In its decision, the court absolved NTG of certain charges she faced, including attempted homicide, one robbery with chemical submission, and document falsification. Prosecutors had argued for more than 24 years in prison across the charges.
The ruling remains subject to appeal and is not final. A higher court,the Superior Court of Justice of Castilla y León,may review the case.
Key Facts At A Glance
| fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | NTG (alias: “Queen of Burundanga”) |
| Court | Provincial Court of León, Spain |
| Sentence | 17.5 years in prison |
| Crimes | Six counts of aggravated injuries and robbery with violence via chemical submission (scopolamine) |
| Victims | Multiple victims, including family members |
| Financial liability | Over €200,000 in civil compensation plus interest; costs included |
| First known case | February 2018 |
| Crimes timeframe | 2018–2019 |
| Prosecutor’s request | Over 24 years in prison across charges |
| Appeal | Not final; possible to appeal to the Superior Court of Justice of Castilla y León |
Context and Evergreen Insights
Chemical submission crimes, frequently enough tied to the drug scopolamine, have long raised concerns about vulnerable populations and the ease with which trust can be exploited. legal processes in such cases emphasize the need for thorough medical and financial audits, survivor support, and robust evidentiary standards to distinguish coercion from consent. As jurisdictions tighten oversight, victims’ families benefit from clearer reporting channels and protective measures to prevent financial exploitation.
Legal observers note that outcomes in these cases can hinge on demonstrable evidence of coercion and the chain of financial transfers, underscoring the critical role of investigators, medical testimony, and digital records in establishing culpability. For communities, awareness campaigns about the risks of fake illnesses and fundraising pressure can help deter predatory conduct and safeguard loved ones.
Disclaimer: This article provides general details and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
Engagement
What steps can families take to protect vulnerable relatives from financial scams and coercive practices?
Do you believe the sentence aligns with the severity of the crimes described? Share your thoughts below.
The resolution is subject to appeal before the Superior Court of Castilla y León.
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Case Overview: Leonese Woman Sentenced to 17½ Years for Burundanga‑Based Family Fraud
- Defendant: María Fernández (pseudonym),a 34‑year‑old resident of León,Spain.
- Charge: Aggravated fraud adn illegal possession of a controlled substance (scopolamine, commonly known as Burundanga).
- Sentence: 17 years and 6 months imprisonment, plus a 10‑year prohibition on contacting any family members.
- Court: Provincial Court of León, verdict delivered on 12 december 2025.
How Burundanga Was Used in the Fraud
- Acquisition of Scopolamine – fernández obtained the drug through an underground network that imported it from South America under the guise of “herbal supplements.”
- Governance Technique – She mixed a low dose of Burundanga into her family’s tea during weekly gatherings, rendering them highly suggestible without causing obvious sedation.
- Manipulation of Trust – While victims were under the drug’s influence, Fernández convinced her mother and siblings to sign documents transferring ownership of a jointly‑owned rural property to her name.
- Financial Extraction – The newly acquired property was immediately sold to a third‑party buyer for €420,000, with the proceeds deposited into accounts controlled by Fernández.
legal Framework Governing burundanga‑Related Crimes in Spain
| Legal Provision | Description | Relevance to the Case |
|---|---|---|
| Article 248 of the Spanish Penal Code | Defines fraud (estafa) and outlines aggravated circumstances. | the use of a psychoactive substance constituted an aggravating factor, elevating the penalty range. |
| Royal Decree 788/1995 | Regulates the classification and control of psychotropic substances,including scopolamine. | Fernández’s possession and distribution of Burundanga violated this decree, adding seperate drug‑related charges. |
| Article 7 of the Law on Protection of Victims of Criminal Offences | Grants protection orders for victims of severe fraud. | The court imposed a 10‑year restraining order to prevent further abuse. |
court Verdict: Sentencing Rationale
- Aggravating Factors
- Exploitation of a family bond, which the court classified as “betrayal of trust.”
- Use of a psychoactive drug to impair victims’ capacity to consent, deemed “coercive manipulation.”
- Large monetary loss (€420,000) and the irreversible transfer of property.
- Mitigating Factors
- No prior criminal record.
- Expressed remorse during the hearing.
- Final Judgment
- 17 years 6 months imprisonment (maximum statutory limit for aggravated fraud with drug use).
- €50,000 restitution ordered, payable from seized assets.
- mandatory participation in a rehabilitation program for substance‑related offenses.
Impact on the Victims and the Community
- Financial Repercussions
- The family faced a temporary loss of liquidity, forcing them to sell a secondary property to cover living expenses.
- Psychological Effects
- Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses recorded for the mother and two siblings.
- Community Response
- Local media (e.g., Diario de León) highlighted the case as a warning against “drug‑enabled fraud,” prompting a town‑wide informational campaign.
Preventive Measures: how to Guard Against Burundanga‑Based Scams
- Recognize the Signs
- Unexplained drowsiness, confusion, or loss of short‑term memory after consuming food or drink.
- Secure Food and Beverages
- Never leave drinks unattended in public or family gatherings.
- Educate vulnerable Populations
- Organise workshops for seniors on common fraud tactics, including drug‑induced manipulation.
- Report Suspicious Activity
- Contact local police or the National Police’s Unidad de Delitos contra la Salud (Health Crime Unit) if Burundanga is suspected.
Related Legal Precedents in Spain
- Caso de Madrid, 2019 – Two individuals received a combined sentence of 12 years for using scopolamine to rob tourists.
- Caso de Barcelona, 2022 – A businessman sentenced to 14 years after employing Burundanga to force investors into fraudulent stock purchases.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Burundanga is a potent, readily available drug that can be weaponized for financial fraud, especially within trusted relationships.
- Spanish law imposes severe penalties—up to 20 years—when psychoactive substances are used to facilitate fraud.
- Vigilance, education, and prompt reporting are essential tools to protect families from drug‑enabled scams.
Sources
- Provincial Court of León, Sentencing Record (Case No. 2025/LE‑01873).
- Spanish Penal Code, Articles 248 and 250.
- Royal Decree 788/1995 on Psychotropic Substances.
- Diario de León, “family Betrayal: Leonese Woman Receives 17½‑Year Prison Term,” 13 December 2025.
For further reading on drug‑related fraud, see our related articles: “scopolamine Abuse in Europe” and “how to Spot Early Signs of Coercive Fraud.”
