Barcelona, Catalonia: Mossos d'Esquadra have arrested two adults and a minor in Barcelona for their alleged involvement in 15 violent mobile phone robberies. The arrests took place on 28 April and 6 May as part of the 'Pla Kanpai' initiative, which targets repeat offenders, according to the Department of Interior of the Generalitat.
Investigators from the Sant Martí and Eixample districts led the operation. The alleged robberies involved intimidation and violence, primarily targeting mobile phones, but also included documentation, bank cards, wallets, money, and jewellery.
Key Arrests and Allegations
The first person arrested was a 22-year-old man with 14 previous police records. He was intercepted in the Sant Martí district on 28 April. Police allege he was involved in seven violent robberies, an attempted fraud, and two assault offences.
On 6 May, officers arrested an 18-year-old man in Gràcia and a minor in Horta. They are allegedly linked to eight other robberies involving violence and intimidation. These incidents occurred between 2 November 2025 and 7 April 2026.
Group Operations and Methods
Police said the suspects always worked in groups. They used electric scooters to move around the city and find their victims. Once they approached someone, they would use bladed weapons to intimidate them.
Searches of two homes linked to the suspects uncovered significant evidence. Officers found 17 mobile phones, 30 mobile phone covers, personal documents, bladed weapons, and three electric scooters. They also seized clothing that the suspects allegedly used to hide their identities during the robberies.
These arrests aim to reduce street crime and improve public safety in Barcelona's Sant Martí and Horta districts. The investigation continues, with authorities working to link any further incidents to the arrested individuals.
