Lorraine Williamson
Spain is again turning organised crime’s spoils into a public spectacle. A Ferrari FF and a Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG—once symbols of a drug trafficker’s wealth—are now headline lots in a government-run auction with a starting price of just €150.
This is more than a quirky bargain hunt. It’s part of a national strategy to strip criminal networks of their glamour while channelling the proceeds into anti-drug programmes and community support.
How Spain puts crime profits back into society
Under Spanish law, luxury assets seized in major narcotics investigations are transferred to the Fund for Confiscated Goods, overseen by the Ministry of Health and linked to the National Plan on Drugs. The money raised funds addiction treatment, prevention campaigns, and law enforcement resources. Moreover, in 2023 alone, the fund distributed over €28 million to such projects.
The auction in detail
Bidding is taking place on the Escrapalia platform and closes on 25 September 2025. Registered participants can inspect the cars in Madrid on 24 September. Though opening bids are symbolic, past sales show prices usually surge as collectors and investors compete.
The cars drawing global attention
The Ferrari FF, a four-seat grand tourer, hides a 6.3-litre V12 with around 486 kW of power—enough for supercar acceleration with everyday usability. The Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG offers a 5.5-litre biturbo V8 pushing roughly 400 kW, blending rugged off-road ability with plush interiors. Both are rare finds in Spain’s second-hand market.
A growing trend of public auctions
Spain has previously sent Porsches, Audis and other high-end models from drug cases under the hammer. By opening bids at a token amount, authorities encourage broad participation and reinforce the message that ill-gotten gains will ultimately benefit the public.
This latest sale offers car enthusiasts a shot at owning a supercar while supporting programmes that fight the very crimes which once financed these machines.
Source: ABC