The Spanish police have dismantled a criminal network involved in stealing high-end smartphones and subsequently smuggling them to Morocco for resale in local markets.
According to a statement from the Civil Guard, the network was based in Barcelona and comprised 15 individuals (13 men and 2 women) aged between 22 and 70. They face charges related to 54 incidents of phone theft, receiving stolen goods, and belonging to an organized criminal group.
Estimated Losses Exceeding €59,000
The activities of this network led to the theft of smartphones valued at approximately €59,591. These devices were smuggled to Morocco for resale, as revealed by the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have linked the network to at least 55 additional thefts occurring in several Mediterranean provinces, including Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Almería, and Granada, as well as in inland areas like Burgos, Cuenca, and Zaragoza.
Attempts to Access Bank Accounts
The gang’s operations were not limited to phone theft alone. Some members attempted to access banking applications on the stolen devices and managed to make financial transfers totaling €26,950, according to current investigations.
Ongoing Investigations and Security Coordination
Local press reports indicate that investigations are ongoing to identify other potential accomplices and to assess the full extent of the damages. Coordination has been established with authorities in Morocco to trace the path of the stolen phones after being smuggled through illegal channels.
The arrested individuals are expected to be brought before the Spanish judiciary in the coming days to face the charges against them.
