The Mossos d'Esquadra have arrested two men, aged 58 and 42, for their alleged participation in a series of robberies in high-net-worth homes in Catalonia, including the assault on the home of FC Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García. The operation, carried out on January 10, coincided with the footballer's stay in Saudi Arabia to play in the Spanish Super Cup. According to the information published by La Vanguardia, the criminals managed to enter the house that García shares with his partner in Baix Llobregat, searching the property through security cameras before the alarm activated the intervention of the local police, the Mossos and the security guards hired by the club.
The group, whose alleged leader is ArsimBlaku, of Kosovo Albanian origin and with an extensive criminal record, would also have been involved in the surveillance and planning of a possible robbery at the home of JulesKoundé, Barça's French defender. Although the suspects failed to enter Koundé's home, authorities say they prepared the attack as meticulously as the assault on García's home. In addition, the same group is linked to other assaults in towns such as Peralada, Agullana and SantPeredeRibes, where robberies have been recorded in high-value residences.
Among those detained is a woman who, after being released after being brought to justice, continues to be investigated. The two men have been placed in preventive detention, while authorities continue the investigation to determine the magnitude of the robbery network. Blaku had already appeared in previous police investigations, including the assault on the Tous family home in SantFruitós de Bages in 2006, where an assailant lost his life.
FCBarcelona has stated that the safety of its players remains a priority and that protective measures have been reinforced following the incidents. The Mossos d'Esquadra have indicated that the investigation is still ongoing and that more charges are expected to be filed in relation to thefts in high-net-worth homes in the region. The affected players have expressed their gratitude for the prompt police intervention and for the measures taken to guarantee their safety.