Alzamiento de Bienes: Art. 257 CP ) Elementos, Distinción Civil y Jurisprudencia 2026

# Fraudulent Conveyance (Alzamiento de Bienes): Art. 257 Spanish Penal Code 2026

Fraudulent conveyance (alzamiento de bienes) under Art. 257 of Spain's Penal Code is among the most litigated economic crimes. When a debtor transfers assets to frustrate creditors, practitioners face a choice between criminal prosecution and civil rescission. This guide explains the key elements and how to choose the right strategy.

Criminal Elements (Art. 257 CP)

Four elements must concur: (1) a prior enforceable obligation, (2) an act of asset disposal, (3) resulting in (or aggravating) insolvency, and (4) direct intent to defraud. The Supreme Court (STS 2ª 487/2023) confirms this is a concrete-danger offence, no failed enforcement attempt is required.

Penalty: 1–4 years' imprisonment + 12–24 month fine. Aggravated to 1–6 years for public-law debts (tax authority, social security).

Criminal vs. Civil Rescission

The civil acción pauliana (Arts. 1111, 1291.3 CC) rescinds fraudulent transactions without criminal consequences. Key differences: criminal route requires direct intent; civil rescission of onerous acts requires the acquiree's complicity. Limitation: 5 years (criminal) vs. 4 years (civil).

Insolvency Reintegration (Art. 226 TRLC)

When the debtor enters insolvency proceedings, the insolvency administrator's reintegration action under Arts. 226–233 TRLC (Law 16/2022) covers acts within the two years before filing, regardless of good or bad faith.

Lexiel locates Supreme Court decisions on fraudulent conveyance, drafts criminal complaints and civil rescission claims with verified citations.