International Gang Dismantled After Armed Villa Robberies in Marbella

International Criminal Network Busted in Marbella

An international criminal network, responsible for a series of violent armed robberies targeting luxury villas in Marbella, Spain, has been dismantled following a comprehensive operation by the Spanish National Police in collaboration with Albanian authorities. The arrests come after an extensive investigation into a gang that employed sophisticated methods and intimidation to steal high-value goods and cash from affluent residents.

Modus Operandi and Investigation Phases

The criminal group specifically targeted high-net-worth individuals residing in semi-detached or detached houses. Their method involved meticulous planning, with perpetrators typically arriving at properties between 7 PM and 2 AM in high-end, high-capacity vehicles often bearing false names or changed registration numbers. The gang would gain entry by climbing fences and forcing doors or windows. To avoid detection, they communicated using walkie-talkies with hidden earpieces and concealed their identities with balaclavas. Victims were frequently threatened at gunpoint and subjected to physical force to reveal the location of valuables and safes.

The investigation unfolded in several phases across multiple European locations:

• In September 2025, the first phase saw four house searches conducted in Albania, leading to the arrest of one suspect. Another member of the gang was subsequently located in Italy.
• The second phase took place in January 2026 in Barcelona, where investigators raided two homes and arrested two men.
• Further arrests included a suspect in Benidorm, who is currently under investigation by Italian authorities.
• The most recent arrest occurred on a Wednesday in February 2026, when police apprehended a woman allegedly involved in the network in Barcelona.

The network maintained several operational bases across Spain, including Catalonia, Alicante, Murcia, and Malaga.

Recovered Goods and Ongoing Efforts

During the searches conducted as part of the operation, authorities recovered a substantial amount of stolen property. This included over €10,500 in cash, four luxury watches, and several high-end handbags with an estimated value exceeding €50,000. Police have indicated that the investigation remains open, and further arrests are not ruled out as they continue to pursue all leads related to this sophisticated criminal enterprise.