Mossos d'Esquadra have arrested three individuals in Barcelona accused of fifteen mobile phone robberies, often using knives to target young and vulnerable people. The arrests followed an investigation into a series of violent assaults that began in November 2025.
The suspects, identified as being of Maghrebi origin, include a 22-year-old man with fourteen previous police records, who had previously served time in prison. He faces charges for seven violent robberies, one attempted fraud, and two counts of assault. An 18-year-old and a minor were also detained for their alleged involvement in eight robberies with violence and intimidation.
The group operated primarily in the Sant Martí district, specifically the Camp de l’Arpa del Clot neighbourhood, and in Horta-Guinardó. Their method involved using electric scooters to find victims, often targeting individuals walking alone. They used their numerical superiority and knives to intimidate victims into surrendering their mobile phones, bank cards, wallets, money, or jewellery.
Unlocking Phones and Hiding Stolen Goods
In some cases, the criminals forced victims to unlock their phones. This allowed them to disable location tracking, a tactic that ultimately proved unhelpful for some thieves. After securing their loot, the perpetrators would quickly leave the scene.
Investigators located two properties where the stolen items were hidden. Searches uncovered seventeen mobile phones, thirty phone cases, various bladed weapons, handcuffs, three electric scooters, victims' health and bank cards, and clothing such as gloves and balaclavas used to conceal their identities.
Judicial Proceedings and Prevention
The first arrest, that of the 22-year-old, took place on 28 April. The other two suspects were apprehended on 6 May. All three appeared before a judge, and the group's leader was remanded in preventive custody, returning to prison.
