International Car Theft Ring Busted: Spain-Morocco Connection Uncovered

The modus operandi of the thieves consisted of stealing the cars, parking them in a public parking lot in a neighboring city, and then retrieving them a few days later to commit other pre-planned thefts. Construction sites and private residences were the main targets. The violence increased as they committed crimes, and some burglaries were carried out with firearms or knives, the armed institute indicates.

The first arrest took place after a search in a clandestine workshop in Elche, near Alicante, where objects worth 12,000 euros, 2,000 euros in cash, various partially burned vehicle documents and four cars, one of which was returned to its owner, were seized.

The Civil Guard has confirmed that 11 of the 16 cars have been returned to their owners, while searches are ongoing to locate the owners of the others. The first two suspects were released on bail pending trial, while the third was remanded in custody by the 8th Court of First Instance and Instruction in Murcia.