Barcelona, Catalonia: Mossos d'Esquadra officers arrested two adults and a minor on 28 April and 6 May in Barcelona. They are suspected of committing 15 violent or intimidating robberies, primarily targeting mobile phones. These arrests form part of the Kanpai plan, an initiative by the investigation units in the Sant Martí and Eixample districts to combat repeat offending.
The first individual, a 22-year-old man with 14 previous police records, was apprehended in Sant Martí. Police are investigating his alleged involvement in seven violent robberies, one attempted fraud, and two assault offences, according to a statement from the Catalan government's Interior Department.
On 6 May, officers arrested an 18-year-old man in Gràcia and a minor in Horta. These two are believed to have participated in eight robberies involving violence and intimidation.
Robbery Methods and Recovered Items
The robberies occurred between 2 November 2025 and 7 April 2026. Investigators said the suspects consistently operated in groups, focusing on stealing mobile phones. However, they also took other valuables, including personal documents, bank cards, wallets, cash, and jewellery from their victims.
The alleged perpetrators used electric scooters to locate their victims. They would then approach them and use bladed weapons to intimidate them during the robberies.
The arrests followed searches at two of the investigated homes. During these searches, officers found personal documents, 17 mobile phones, and 30 mobile phone cases. They also recovered bladed weapons, three electric scooters, and clothing that the suspects reportedly used to disguise themselves and avoid detection.
Ongoing Efforts Against Reoffending
The Kanpai plan continues to target multi-reoffending in Barcelona's districts. These recent arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by Mossos d'Esquadra to reduce street crime and enhance public safety. Further investigations are expected to determine the full extent of the group's activities and any potential links to other incidents in the city.
