Mossos Arrest 18 People and Recover 260 Stolen Phones in Barcelona

Two operations by the DIC in Ciutat Vella and Eixample dismantle networks that stored and resold stolen phones. The arrested have over 30 prior offenses.

The Mossos d'Esquadra have arrested 18 people and seized more than 260 mobile phones in two operations against receiving networks in Barcelona. The investigations, led by the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC), have taken place over the last few weeks and have allowed the identification of several locations where stolen devices were received, stored, and redistributed.

The first operation focused on the Ciutat Vella district, where officers arrested thirteen individuals aged between 22 and 57 years on suspicion of receiving stolen goods, fraud, and breach of secrets. The investigation began after analysing the locations of phones provided by victims, who persistently indicated three nearby properties through geolocation.

During the first half of 2026, in over seventy cases, the locations pointed to those same buildings. Investigators also confirmed that some devices changed location within days, indicating a coordinated structure with a division of roles: purchasing stolen devices, moving them between flats operating as "nurseries", and subsequent sale in the illicit market.

"The SIM cards inserted into the stolen devices were used to attempt to unlock them and access personal data and payment methods"

With judicial authorisation, five searches were carried out in properties in Eixample and Raval. There, more than 140 mobile phones, nine laptops, two tablets, and nearly 3,500 euros in cash were seized. One of the flats had already been investigated in the summer of 2025, when nearly 500 phones were located.

Eleven of the thirteen detainees were brought before the court, while the other two were released with the obligation to appear before the judge when required. In total, the arrested individuals had over 30 prior offenses, some for receiving stolen goods and fraud. Additionally, three more individuals are under investigation, and officers managed to recover an illegally occupied property and return it to its owner.

The second investigation focused on another network that bought and manipulated stolen phones. The analysis of complaints, locations, and phone data revealed a common pattern linking several devices to two properties in Barcelona. Officers detected the repeated use of SIM cards in devices reported as stolen and the sending of fraudulent messages to obtain unlocking credentials.

The police operation concluded with two searches in the Ciutat Vella district. There, four individuals aged between 26 and 33 years were arrested, and 120 mobile phones, six laptops, four tablets, and 20,000 euros in cash were seized.

Both operations are part of the Kanpai Plan, the Mossos' initiative against the receiving of electronic devices. Police sources remind that these networks are the link that allows thieves to quickly sell stolen devices. For the residents of Barcelona, the dismantling of these points represents a blow to a business that fuels thefts and violent robberies in public spaces.

The detainees and individuals under investigation remain at the court's disposal as the proceedings advance. The police recommend that victims always report the theft and provide the geolocation of the device, as these clues have been crucial in both operations.