In one of the most bizarre crime sprees in recent memory, a man in Spain has been sentenced to 42 days in jail after faking more than 20 heart attacks in restaurants to avoid paying his bills.

A Dramatic Routine

The man, who became known locally as “Gastrojeta,” developed a consistent trick. He would order expensive meals—often lobster, steak, or paella—accompanied by several whiskeys. When the time came to settle the check, he would clutch his chest, stagger theatrically, and collapse in an apparent heart attack.

Restaurant staff, fearing a medical emergency, would call for help. In the confusion, his unpaid bill would be overlooked.

Why It Worked—For a While

Authorities say the scam initially succeeded because each individual bill was relatively small, often under the threshold for serious criminal charges. This allowed him to slip through legal loopholes by treating each incident as a minor offense.

But over time, his reputation spread, and frustrated restaurant owners began sharing warnings. After repeatedly failing to pay his fines, the man was finally arrested and handed a 42-day prison sentence.

Local Reactions

Spanish media quickly dubbed him “Gastrojeta,” a mix of “gastronomy” and “jeta” (slang for someone brazen or shameless). While some locals view the story with humor, many restaurateurs are relieved he is finally facing consequences.

A Costly Trick

What began as a ploy for free dinners has now landed him behind bars. For “Gastrojeta,” the taste of lobster and whiskey may have been sweet—but the price he now pays is far greater than any restaurant bill.