Three individuals, including one minor, have been arrested by the Mossos d'Esquadra in Barcelona for alleged violent mobile phone robberies. The group specifically targeted vulnerable young people in the Sant Martí district, using numerical superiority to overpower their victims.
Beyond mobile phones, the suspects also stole identification documents, bank cards, cash, and jewellery. They operated using an electric scooter to approach victims and threatened them with bladed weapons, according to Catalan police.
In some cases, the perpetrators forced victims to unlock their phones to disable location tracking, aiming to avoid detection. After taking the stolen items, they would flee the scene quickly.
Robberies Across Barcelona Districts
The robberies occurred between 2 November 2025 and 7 April 2026. Incidents were reported in the Camp de l’Arpa and El Clot neighbourhoods, as well as parts of the Horta-Guinardó district.
One of the arrested individuals, a 22-year-old man, is under investigation for his involvement in seven violent robberies with attempted fraud. He also faces charges for two counts of assault. This individual had a history of 14 previous arrests, including a prison sentence for crimes against property, people, and public health, according to officials.
Two other suspects were arrested on 6 May. Both are also believed to have participated in violent robberies.
Significant Haul Recovered
The arrests followed two house searches conducted by the police. The suspects lived close to where they committed the crimes, allowing them to escape and hide stolen goods quickly. During the searches, officers found various items, including documents, bank cards, 17 mobile phones, and 30 phone cases.
Police also recovered bladed weapons, handcuffs, three electric scooters, and articles of clothing. The arrested individuals have been handed over to the judge. The group's alleged leader has been remanded in preventive custody.
