> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 18 Arrested in Barcelona Over Stolen Phone Networks - URL: https://barna.news/18-arrested-in-barcelona-over-stolen/ - Published: 2026-10-03T15:20:21.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-03T15:45:08.000Z - Description: Mossos d'Esquadra dismantle two criminal structures handling stolen mobiles, recovering over 260 devices across city raids. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: crime Video: @mossos / X ## 13 Arrested, 140 Phones Recovered in Ciutat Vella and Eixample The Mossos d'Esquadra have arrested 18 people and recovered more than 260 stolen mobile phones in two coordinated investigations targeting criminal networks in Barcelona that specialised in receiving, storing, and reselling stolen devices. In the first operation, 13 individuals aged between 22 and 57 were arrested on suspicion of involvement in receiving stolen goods, fraud, and revealing private data. The investigation began after geolocation data from victims’ phones pointed to three properties near the Ciutat Vella district in the first half of 2026\. Over 70 cases showed devices consistently appearing at these locations, with some later moving to nearby points. The suspects allegedly operated a network of properties functioning as "nurseries" for stolen phones, with a clear division of roles including purchasing, transferring, and reselling devices. They also used SIM cards in the stolen phones to attempt unlocking and accessing personal data and payment systems, linking them to multiple fraud cases. With judicial approval, police executed five search operations in the Eixample and Raval areas, seizing more than 140 mobile phones, nine laptops, two tablets, and nearly €3,500 in cash. Eleven of the 13 were formally presented to judicial authorities; the other two were released with a requirement to appear when summoned. Collectively, they had over 30 prior convictions, some related to theft and fraud. Three additional individuals were investigated for possible involvement. One of the raided properties had previously been targeted in a summer 2025 investigation, where nearly 500 stolen phones were recovered. --- ## Second Network: 4 Arrested, 120 Phones Seized in Ciutat Vella A second investigation uncovered another network involved in buying and manipulating stolen phones. Analysis of geolocation and telephony data revealed a pattern connecting multiple stolen devices to two properties in Ciutat Vella. Evidence included repeated use of SIM cards from reported stolen phones, fraudulent messages sent to extract unlocking credentials, and frequent movement of devices between locations. Investigators identified a system for preparing stolen phones for resale on the illegal market. The operation culminated in two property searches in Ciutat Vella, resulting in the arrest of four people aged 26 to 33\. Officers recovered 120 mobile phones, six laptops, four tablets, and €20,000 in cash. ### Dismantling the Illicit Supply Chain These operations are part of the Mossos d'Esquadra’s ongoing Kanpai plan against repeat offending, expanded since July 2025 to target criminal networks controlling the black market for stolen electronics. A dedicated unit within the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) has since arrested 47 people and recovered nearly 2,500 devices across eight operations. By targeting receiving hubs, the plan disrupts the connection between street-level thieves and organised resale networks, often linked to international trafficking routes to North Africa and Asia. Approximately 20% of recovered phones have been returned to their owners. > Residents are urged to report stolen phones immediately, provide the IMEI number, and contact their provider to block the SIM and line. The Mossos advise anyone whose phone is stolen, and who has bank cards linked to it, to cancel those cards immediately. Users should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing passwords via messages from unknown numbers. More safety guidance is available on the [official Mossos d'Esquadra advice page](https://mossos.gencat.cat/ca/consells%5Fde%5Fseguretat/tecnologia/mobils/que-heu-fer-si-us-roben-o-perdeu-el-mobil/index.html?ref=barna.news). --- *Primary sources:* [*govern.cat*](https://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/874844/nou-cop-estructures-criminals-dedicades-receptacio-mobils-sostrets-18-detinguts-mes-260-terminals-recuperats-barcelona?ref=barna.news)*,* [*mossos.gencat.cat*](https://mossos.gencat.cat/ca/consells%5Fde%5Fseguretat/tecnologia/mobils/que-heu-fer-si-us-roben-o-perdeu-el-mobil/index.html?ref=barna.news)*,* [*dsp.interior.gencat.cat*](https://dsp.interior.gencat.cat/handle/20.500.14007/112/browse?type=title&ref=barna.news)*,* [*Mossos d'Esquadra*](https://mossos.gencat.cat/ca/comunicacio/noticies/nota-premsa/?id=891584&ref=barna.news)*. Reported by en.ara.cat, diariosigloxxi.com, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, El Caso, Xavi Fernández de Castro, barna.news, ultimahora.es, ACN, emporda.info.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Spy glasses help catch El Raval chain thieves](https://barna.news/spy-glasses-help-catch-el-raval-chain/) - [Off-Duty Officers Arrest Three Watch Thieves in Barceloneta](https://barna.news/off-duty-officers-arrest-three-watch/) - [Man Wanted for Pakistan Homicide Arrested in Raval](https://barna.news/man-wanted-for-pakistan-homicide/) - [Barcelona Woman Rescued from Forced Marriage in Pakistan](https://barna.news/barcelona-woman-rescued-from-forced/)