Lorraine Williamson
A coordinated police operation has dismantled one of the most violent Trinitarios factions operating in Catalonia, following months of investigation into armed robberies, shootings, and organised drug trafficking. Nineteen men have been arrested, including a senior European figure within the gang, with seven already remanded in custody.
The operation, led jointly by the Policia Nacional and the Mossos d’Esquadra, marks one of the most significant recent blows against organised street gangs in the region. Investigators say the group was involved in at least two attempted murders and multiple firearms attacks linked to targeted robberies carried out on demand.
A shooting that opened the investigation
The case began in February after an attempted homicide during a violent armed robbery in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, on the outskirts of Barcelona. The arrest of one suspect linked to the shooting led officers to uncover a much wider criminal structure operating across several municipalities.
As enquiries progressed, police connected the group to a series of armed assaults, including a shooting on 8 June in L’Hospitalet that left a man critically injured. Another incident occurred on the night of San Juan in Montigalà, where attackers opened fire on several people while stealing gold chains and jewellery, leaving two victims wounded by gunfire and another injured with a knife.
In a separate attack later that month, a young man riding an electric scooter was intercepted and shot in the leg so his belongings could be stolen.
A structured criminal hierarchy
Investigators say the dismantled faction operated with a clear internal hierarchy and strict division of roles. Orders flowed from senior leaders to intermediate figures, who then coordinated lower-ranking members tasked with surveillance and execution.
Victims were typically identified in or around nightlife venues, particularly Latin music clubs. Attacks were often carried out as victims left the premises, when conditions were judged to be favourable. In at least five confirmed cases, firearms were used.
What initially appeared to be a robbery-focused gang was later found to be involved in drug trafficking as well. Police say this activity was coordinated both by members on the outside and by individuals already serving time in prison, pointing to a broader and more resilient criminal network.
Dawn raids across Catalonia
In the early hours of 2 December, officers launched a large-scale operation across Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplugues, Sant Boi, Cubelles and Salou. The aim was to dismantle the group’s leadership structure and prevent further violent attacks.
Eighteen of the nineteen suspects, aged between 18 and 49, were arrested on the day of the operation. Among them were one of the Trinitarios’ key figures in Catalonia and a senior leader with European-level connections to other cells operating abroad.
Police carried out 20 searches in total, including 17 private homes and three premises linked to the suspects. With support from prison authorities, officers also searched seven cells across three penitentiary centres, where some gang members were already being held for previous offences.
Weapons, cash and gang symbols seized
During the operation, police seized five firearms, numerous knives, illegal drugs and around €30,000 in cash. Officers also recovered computers and mobile phones, which are still being analysed, as well as distinctive Trinitarios symbols such as bandanas and necklaces used to indicate rank within the gang.
All detainees were brought before a judge on 5 December. Seven were ordered into pre-trial detention, while investigations continue into the gang’s wider network and international links.
Why this matters
Spain has seen growing concern in recent years over the presence of organised street gangs, particularly in large urban areas. Police say this operation sends a clear message that violent groups operating with military-style discipline and firearms will be pursued relentlessly, regardless of whether their leaders are on the street or behind bars.