Lorraine Williamson
The Guardia Civil has successfully dismantled a criminal network involved in the theft and illegal sale of high-end vehicles.
The operation, named “SUSPICIO,” led to the recovery of 98 luxury vehicles stolen from multiple countries both inside and outside the European Union.
66 arrests linked to vehicle theft ring
The operation resulted in the arrest of 66 individuals connected to a well-organised criminal group. They were involved in various crimes, including vehicle theft and document fraud. The recovered vehicles, mostly high-end and premium models, are valued at over €6 million.
Investigation began in 2022
The investigation began in 2022 when the Guardia Civil’s Central Traffic Investigation and Analysis Group noticed irregularities during routine checks. Fraudulent documents from EU countries were being used to legalise stolen vehicles, which were then sent to Spain.
Fraudulent registration uncovered
Through cooperation with European police units, the Guardia Civil discovered that the criminal group was fraudulently registering stolen vehicles in Spain. The cars were illegally acquired in various EU countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France, as well as non-EU nations such as the UK and the UAE.
Vehicle identity tampered with to evade detection
The group altered security features and tampered with vehicle identification numbers. They used entirely falsified or forged vehicle registration documents. Additionally, vehicles imported from non-EU countries were disguised as European vehicles using fraudulent documents to evade customs and avoid taxes.
Also read: High-end car theft ring dismantled
Sale through online platforms
Once the vehicles arrived in Spain, the criminals obtained technical inspection cards at local ITV (MOT) stations using fake documentation. They then registered the cars with provincial traffic offices before selling them on national and international vehicle trading platforms.
Cross-border collaboration
The operation was carried out by the Guardia Civil’s Central Traffic Investigation Group, with support from the Technical Judicial Police Unit and the European border agency FRONTEX. European police forces and the Department of Graphistics within the Guardia Civil’s Criminalistics Service also contributed.
This coordinated effort highlights the importance of international collaboration in combating organised crime.
Also read: Eight stolen luxury vehicles intercepted at Algeciras Port