Spain’s Guardia Civil police have broken up a criminal gang specialising in burglaries at luxury properties in Andalusia as part of Operation Despropósito, resulting in five arrests in the province of Malaga and a further 11 suspects placed under investigation.
The inquiry was launched after police detected a number of high-end residential break-ins that shared the same modus operandi. Investigators established that the group deliberately targeted wealthy individuals, following them to identify where they lived before later breaking into their homes to steal valuables.
According to a Guardia Civil statement, the suspects used a range of latex masks and wigs during the burglaries to disguise their appearance and avoid identification.
Officers discovered that the organisation controlled several properties in the Costa del Sol towns of Marbella and Mijas. Searches were carried out at these addresses, leading to the arrest of five alleged members on burglary charges.
After obtaining the necessary judicial authorisation, police seized three firearms, multiple boxes of ammunition, two stolen high-end vehicles, seven fake vehicle registration plates, several luxury watches from well-known brands, €39,465 in cash, and other items linked to the crimes.
The total value of the recovered property exceeded €80,000 and has since been returned to its owners.
As the investigation progressed, a further 11 individuals believed to be linked to the group were formally investigated for the same offences. The operation was conducted by officers from the Guardia Civil’s main station in Mijas.
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