> ## 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. # Two fake police officers arrested in Eixample - URL: https://barna.news/two-fake-police-officers-arrested-in/ - Published: 2026-11-10T20:16:08.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-10T20:16:08.000Z - Description: Barcelona's municipal police have arrested two men impersonating officers during a robbery attempt on a French tourist. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: crime ## Arrests follow impersonation attempt in central Barcelona On Thursday 5th November 2026 at around 9:30 AM, two men posing as plainclothes police officers were arrested by the Guàrdia Urbana (Barcelona's municipal police force) on Carrer de Alí Bei in the Eixample district, after attempting to rob a French tourist. The suspects, along with a third individual who fled the scene, approached the victim and claimed to be conducting a police identification, asking him to accompany them to a quieter location. Once there, one of the suspects removed the tourist’s French identity card from his bag, while another searched his backpack, which contained only clothing. The victim told officers he believed the men were legitimate law enforcement due to their behaviour and claims, though they wore no official uniforms or badges. A uniformed patrol arrived shortly afterwards and interrupted the incident, finding the two suspects handling the victim’s belongings. During a search, one was found carrying a 40-centimetre extendable baton, likely intended to bolster their false authority, along with €280 in cash. The second suspect had €1,460 on his person. --- ### Third suspect identified but still at large The third individual involved escaped when real officers arrived but has since been identified by the victim through a photographic lineup. Police have filed a report against him and are actively seeking his arrest. According to the Guàrdia Urbana, there is no evidence that any money or other valuables were stolen during the attempt. The two arrested men are being held on charges of theft and impersonating public officials. Impersonating police in Spain, particularly with equipment meant to simulate authority, is a criminal offence under the penal code and carries enhanced penalties. > The victim believed he was complying with a legitimate police request, which underscores how dangerous and convincing this method can be for tourists unfamiliar with local procedures. This incident highlights a growing tactic used by thieves in tourist-heavy areas of Barcelona, where criminals exploit the public’s trust in law enforcement. The Guàrdia Urbana advise visitors to never hand over personal documents or bags to individuals who cannot present official identification, including a badge and contact details. ### What it means for tourists Tourists in Barcelona should be aware that plainclothes officers do operate in the city, but they are always able to provide verifiable identification upon request. Anyone approached in a similar situation should ask for this documentation before complying with any demand. Suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately to uniformed officers or by calling 092, the direct line for the Guàrdia Urbana. --- *Sources:* [*El Periódico*](https://www.elperiodico.com/es/sucesos/20261110/guardia-urbana-detiene-falsos-policias-eixample-barcelona-turista-frances-136299903?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Ajuntament de Barcelona*](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/premsa/2026/11/09/preso-provisional-per-a-una-persona-amb-82-antecedents-policials-detinguda-per-furt-a-leixample/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*El Nacional*](https://elcaso.elnacional.cat/ca/noticies/nou-metode-robar-turistes-barcelona-passar-policies-roben-escorcoll%5F1723448102.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Bodyguards, Off-Duty Officer Stop Robbery Near Parliament](https://barna.news/bodyguards-off-duty-officer-stop-robbery-near-parliament/) - [Arsonist Arrested in Eixample After Bin Fires](https://barna.news/arsonist-arrested-in-eixample-after-bin/) - [Shooting Outside Santa Coloma Hospital](https://barna.news/shooting-outside-santa-coloma-hospital/) - [45 Arrested in Catalan Rail Copper Theft Crackdown](https://barna.news/45-arrested-in-catalan-rail-copper/)