Video: @mossos / X
Forty-six people were arrested in Barcelona on Saturday 17 October 2026 during a large-scale police operation under the Kanpai plan, a coordinated strategy targeting repeat offending. The operation, which lasted approximately 14 hours, also resulted in six individuals being investigated and nearly 70 administrative complaints processed.
The action focused on high-mobility areas and public gathering points, including Estació del Nord bus station, a key transport hub serving regional and international travellers. According to Rafa Tello, chief superintendent of the Citizen Security Division, such locations are prioritised due to their concentration of people and the presence of individuals linked to persistent criminal activity.
Arrests in Barcelona were made for a range of offences: six for alleged violent robbery, six for theft, three for breach of sentence, and ten for outstanding judicial or police warrants. Four people were detained for possession of weapons, two for vehicle break-ins, and one each for document forgery, vandalism, and resisting arrest. Twelve were arrested for immigration-related violations.
During interventions on the passeig de Sant Joan, one man was apprehended for allegedly violating a restraining order. He was also found in possession of drugs and a bladed weapon, leading to an administrative complaint.
Coordinated Policing Across Catalonia
The operation extended beyond Barcelona to northern and southern metropolitan regions and provincial capitals. Across Catalonia, 107 people were arrested and 23 investigated. Police processed 275 administrative complaints and carried out 50 interventions in establishments where potential infractions were detected.
More than 1,300 officers participated, including personnel from the Mossos d’Esquadra (regional police), Guàrdia Urbana de Barcelona (city police), local police forces, Policía Nacional, Port Police, private security professionals, and labour inspectors. Canine units were deployed at Estació del Nord to inspect luggage for drugs, weapons, and cash.
Kanpai Plan Shows Measurable Impact
Launched in April 2025, the Kanpai plan aims to disrupt patterns of repeat offending through targeted, intelligence-led operations. Data from the Barcelona Local Security Board show that crimes linked to repeat offending fell by 15.9% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
The strategy combines sustained street presence with focused interventions based on criminal activity analysis, aiming to reduce both crime rates and public perception of insecurity.
A separate joint operation between the Mossos d’Esquadra, Barcelona City Police, and TMB had previously led to the arrest of 85 recurrent offenders specialising in bus thefts, cutting such crimes by 40.7% in early 2026. That action was also conducted under the Kanpai framework.
Overall crime in Barcelona dropped by 11.2% in the first half of 2026, with thefts down by 21.1%, according to Barcelona City Council. However, officials noted ongoing challenges, including a 64.3% rise in hate crimes and nine recorded killings, three linked to organised crime.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, mossos.gencat.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona. Reported by barnadiario.com, lavanguardia.com, Barna Diario.
