Torrevieja Safe-Cracking Gang Smashed After 52-Crime Spree

A criminal gang responsible for 52 robberies, spanning nine provinces across Spain, has been dismantled by the Guardia Civil. Five suspects, aged 39 to 52 and of Serbian and Spanish nationality, have been arrested in connection with the crimes. The gang targeted banks and gambling establishments in Alicante, Torrevieja, Novelda, and Crevillent.

The investigation, Operation Otello, was led by the Judicial Police Unit in Albacete and coordinated by a court in Hellín. The suspects, believed to be based in Murcia, regularly travelled to carry out robberies. The gang is accused of 11 bank raids, including seven successful robberies and four attempted break-ins. They were also linked to 15 gambling establishment raids, nine of which were completed and six attempted.

Other offences included car dealership robberies, vehicle theft, document forgery, and theft of registration plates. The investigation began in March following a bank robbery in Albacete where a safe containing over €66,000 was stolen. The suspects allegedly forced their way into premises using hydraulic equipment and heavy tools, often taking entire safes to isolated locations for forced opening.

They used stolen high-end vehicles with false or stolen number plates, and wore balaclavas, gloves, and dark clothing to hide their identities. During the final operation, officers recovered over €34,000, two high-end vehicles, three forged driving licences, communications equipment, frequency jammers, and various tools. The operation dismantled one of Spain's main gangs specializing in this type of robbery along the Mediterranean coast and the southeast of the country.