The National Police have successfully arrested an international criminal group operating in Tenerife that specialised in breaking into apartments and homes. The operation resulted in the arrest of three group members and the identification of two more suspects.
The group had been under investigation since May of last year for its involvement in numerous burglaries characterised by a consistent and calculated approach.
Investigators found that the group consistently used methods such as scaling walls or breaking windows to gain entry into homes, primarily targeting cash and jewellery.
Their operations followed strict security measures to avoid detection, including frequent changes of vehicles, accommodation, and transport methods. They also relied on fake documents and disposable mobile phones to cover their tracks.
One of the detainees had already been identified as the suspected perpetrator of multiple robberies. The criminal group, known for its mobility, had been active in other countries, including Germany and Ukraine, as well as in other regions of Spain such as Seville, Málaga, and Barcelona.
Arrests in Tenerife
The police operation culminated in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where officers intercepted the suspects as they prepared to commit another burglary. Two of the individuals acted as lookouts in a vehicle while another attempted to break into someone’s home. When the suspects realised they had been discovered, they tried to flee, ramming their vehicle into police officers.
As a result, the suspects are also facing charges for assaulting law enforcement officers. During the arrest, police confiscated gloves, tools, mobile phones, and a rented vehicle used for their activities.
Among the people arrested was the group's leader, who is subject to an extradition order to Germany, where he is wanted for his involvement in several burglaries.
The detainees are now in judicial custody, facing charges that include burglary, membership in an organised criminal group, and assault on law enforcement.