Mossos d'Esquadra recently arrested five men in Viladecans, Barcelona, for allegedly operating a criminal group that hid stolen mobile phones in empty milk cartons before reselling them. Four other individuals were also reported in connection with the operation. The arrests took place on 15 April following an extensive investigation by the Catalan police. Officers searched two properties in Viladecans used by the group as logistics points, where they discovered 69 mobile phones and €82,350 in cash. According to the Mossos d'Esquadra, the group was responsible for stealing phones in other Barcelona metropolitan areas, specifically Sabadell and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. The devices were then transported to Viladecans, concealed using the unusual method of empty milk cartons, and prepared for resale. ## Investigation Uncovers Unique Hiding Method The investigation began in May last year, initiated by the Investigation Unit of Esplugues de Llobregat. Early stages involved three property searches and the arrest of two individuals implicated in phone theft. Data extracted from seized mobile phones helped police identify further members of the criminal group. Through ongoing inquiries, police identified the remaining members of the group and located two properties in Viladecans that served as their central hubs. These locations were used for storing the stolen phones and the money generated from their illicit sales. The simultaneous raids on these two properties on 15 April led to the significant discovery of the 69 mobile phones and the substantial sum of cash. While police confirmed the group's practice of hiding phones in milk cartons, no devices were found concealed in cartons during the actual search, officers reported. ## Charges Filed Against Suspects The five men arrested, aged between 22 and 36, had no prior police records, and their nationalities were not disclosed by authorities. They face charges of receiving stolen goods, fraud, and belonging to a criminal organisation. The Mossos d'Esquadra continue their efforts to dismantle organised crime networks involved in the theft and resale of mobile phones across Catalonia, aiming to prevent similar operations in the future.