The Mossos d'Esquadra have dismantled in Gavà, Barcelona, an organization dedicated to forceful robberies in the homes of people of "high public profile", including footballers. The operation, carried out on October 1, concluded with the arrest of three suspects: two men aged 58 and 42 and a woman aged 46. The detainees are linked to at least eight events in Catalan municipalities such as Castelldefels, El Papiol, Sant Vicenç de Montalt, Cubelles, Peralada, Sant Pere de Ribes and Agullana.
The most notable case was the robbery of the home of FC Barcelona goalkeeper, Joan García. On January 10, two individuals broke into the house he shares with his partner in Baix Llobregat, stealing valuable objects. Investigators also attribute to the same group the planning of an assault on the home of Barça defender Jules Koundé, although the operation was not carried out. After the arrest, two of the three detainees were brought to justice the next day, while the third remained in police custody.
The detainees have a long list of criminal records, many of them related to crimes against property. The investigation began after observing similarities in the methodology of robberies in different Catalan towns: selection of victims with high public visibility, use of rental vehicles and prior surveillance to study the movements and security of the homes. The Mossos identified an organized group that moved regularly and carried out exhaustive observations before carrying out the robberies.
In addition, the authorities have detected connections with other procedures and the mobility of those investigated suggests the possibility that they are linked to robberies in homes in other parts of Spain. Therefore, the investigation remains open and it is not ruled out that new criminal acts may be clarified. The Mossos continue working on the investigation and prevention of this type of crimes in the future.