Spanish police have arrested three people accused of stealing luxury goods and cash worth €48,000 from a tourist at Manises Airport in Valencia. The suspects, two men and a woman aged between 41 and 69, were detained on the AP-7 motorway near Tarragona after a joint police operation.
The theft took place when the victim, about to rent a car at the airport, was distracted. The suspects allegedly seized high-end handbags, jewelry, electronic devices, and nearly €6,000 in cash. Police said the group matched the profile of a roving gang targeting travelers.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrests
According to investigators, the National Police launched an inquiry immediately after the theft was reported. Early findings suggested the suspects fled Valencia in a rental vehicle. Details of the car were shared with the Mossos d’Esquadra, who later intercepted it on the AP-7 motorway near Tarragona.
Officers searched the vehicle and found all of the stolen property inside. In total, police recovered €5,820 in cash, jewelry, watches, luxury handbags, and electronic devices. They also seized lockpicks and counterfeit €100 bills believed to be in the suspects’ possession.
Suspects with Criminal Records
The three detainees, all of whom have prior records for property crimes, were arrested on suspicion of theft. Police said the evidence links them directly to the incident at Manises Airport. “The suspects were in possession of all the material stolen from the tourist, as well as tools associated with similar crimes,” investigators said in a statement.
The individuals have been brought before judicial authorities, who will determine the precautionary measures imposed while they await trial. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the group is connected to other thefts at transport hubs in Spain.
Police have urged travelers to remain vigilant in airports and other crowded areas where distraction thefts are common. Officials said the recovery of all stolen items, along with the arrest of the suspects, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated operations between national and regional security forces.
