- The Guardia Civil of Palencia dismantled a criminal gang involved in high-end mobile phone thefts across Spain.
- 15 suspects were investigated (13 men, 2 women) of various nationalities, linked to 60 crimes including theft, robbery with violence, fraud, and organized crime.
- The gang used a clever distraction technique called “la muleta” to steal mobile phones from businesses, mainly on the Mediterranean coast.
- The phones were unlocked and prepared for sale in Morocco; total value estimated at nearly €60,000.
- The gang also attempted banking fraud, illegally transferring nearly €27,000 via stolen phones.
- Crimes were recorded in 16 provinces including Palencia,Cantabria,Murcia,Valencia,alicante,Jaén,Asturias,Barcelona,and others.
Spanish Authorities Break up Organized Gang Specializing in High-End Mobile Phone Thefts
The Guardia Civil of Palencia has successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal network that specialized in the theft of high-end smartphones across multiple Spanish provinces.This operation, named Operación Ialomita, unveiled a well-organized gang using innovative distraction tactics to steal devices worth tens of thousands of euros.
How the Gang Operated: The Clever “La Muleta” Method
The gang targeted businesses, especially those on the Mediterranean coast, employing a cunning method known locally as “la muleta.” This technique involved members entering establishments under the pretext of inquiring about services or job opportunities. Once inside, they would scout for high-value mobile phones, then distract staff by speaking foreign languages, gesturing, or pointing elsewhere. While the victims were distracted, a gang member would stealthily place a sheet of paper over the device and secretly slip the phone underneath.
- After the phone was taken, the perpetrator would ask to be escorted to the door, buying time for accomplices waiting outside in a nearby vehicle.
- The gang’s base of operations was Barcelona, where they coordinated their thefts and prepared the stolen phones for export.
Scope of Crimes and Geographic Reach
The examination revealed that the group committed a total of 60 crimes, including 54 thefts, 2 violent robberies, 2 fraud cases, 1 receiving stolen goods, and 1 organized crime offence. These crimes spanned 16 provinces, with the bulk occurring in coastal areas:
| Province | Type of Crimes | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Palencia | Robbery with violence | 1 |
| Cantabria | Robbery & Thefts | 6 (1 robbery, 5 thefts) |
| Murcia | Thefts | 10 |
| Valencia | Thefts | 9 |
| Alicante | Thefts & Fraud | 9 (8 thefts, 1 fraud) |
| Jaén | Thefts & Fraud | 5 (4 thefts, 1 fraud) |
| Other Provinces | Thefts, Receiving, Organized Crime | 19 |
Includes Asturias, Granada, Almería, Albacete, Burgos, Castellón, Cuenca, Navarra, Zaragoza, and Barcelona.
Unlocking Phones and Banking Fraud
Four gang members based in Barcelona were responsible for unlocking the stolen phones and getting them ready for resale, primarily in Morocco. The estimated total value of all stolen devices reached €59,591.65.
Besides theft, the criminals attempted to exploit the phones further by accessing victims’ electronic banking apps. They carried out fraudulent transfers amounting to nearly €27,000, increasing the severity and complexity of their crimes.
Investigation and Arrests
Operación Ialomita began in October 2023 after a mobile phone robbery involving violence was reported in Aguilar de Campoo.Over months, officers identified a common pattern linking this case to more than 55 other mobile phone thefts throughout Spain.
Authorities ultimately investigated 15 suspects (13 men and 2 women) aged between 22 and 70 years – 11 Romanians, 2 Moroccans, and 2 Spanish nationals. with strong evidence in place,the Spanish Guardia Civil successfully disrupted this roaming theft ring.
Key Takeaways
- Organized crime involving targeted theft of high-end phones is a rising challenge in Spain.
- Distraction techniques like “la muleta” require heightened awareness in businesses, especially on coastal tourism routes.
- Criminals frequently enough prepare stolen devices for illicit international trade, including unlocking phones for resale abroad.
- Access to banking apps on stolen phones adds a hazardous digital fraud layer to physical theft.
- Coordinated police operations remain crucial to dismantle such networks and protect consumers and businesses.
Business owners and consumers are advised to stay vigilant and practice caution when approached by strangers inquiring about services or jobs, especially in busy environments.
For more details, visit the original report by Aquimedios de Comunicación: https://aquimediosdecomunicacion.com/2025/09/08/desarticulada-una-banda-especializada-en-la-sustraccion-de-moviles-de-alta-gama/
Meta Title:
Spanish Police Dismantle organized Gang Stealing High-End Mobile Phones Across Spain
Meta Description:
The Guardia Civil breaks down a criminal ring behind 60 crimes involving theft, robbery, and fraud of luxury mobile phones using distraction tactics called “la muleta.” Phones were prepared for resale abroad, with fraudulent banking transfers also reported.