Trio arrested for €4.5 million hotel robberies in Cadiz and Paris

A trio of criminals have been apprehended in connection with a string of robberies targeting upscale hotel complexes in Cadiz and Paris. The individuals, detained with the assistance of the Guardia Civil, the French National Police, and EUROPOL, are believed to have orchestrated a total of 12 heists across Spain and France, amassing a staggering €4.5 million in stolen valuables.

The extensive operation, codenamed 'Ebano Azul,' was launched in August last year following a series of thefts in luxurious apartments situated in Chiclana de la Frontera, Cadiz. The initial arrest of one suspect during these events ultimately led investigators to the ringleader, who had operated under nine different aliases throughout Europe.

These seasoned criminals demonstrated exceptional skills in circumventing security safes. They meticulously scouted their targets, ensuring that they were unoccupied before using counterfeit keys or the 'slip' method to gain entry. Once inside, they systematically emptied the safes of their contents before making their escape unnoticed.

The focus of the investigation zeroed in on an itinerant international criminal group based in Marbella. A French gang member was apprehended, and a subsequent search of a luxury villa uncovered stolen goods, forged documents, and mobile phones. This breakthrough led to the positive identification of the Algerian leader of the group, a legal resident of France who had been using multiple false identities.

Recognizing the diverse nationalities within the criminal group, European authorities were called upon for assistance. A collaborative effort between Spanish and French law enforcement agencies was initiated, with EUROPOL facilitating the exchange of crucial information. This joint effort culminated in the arrest of the remaining two members in Paris, immediately following another successful heist.

Subsequently, the stolen loot, including jewellery, silver items, and luxury bags valued at €450,000, was successfully recovered and returned to its rightful owners. The group is also believed to be responsible for other robberies in Cannes and Paris, involving stolen goods valued at half a million and one million euros, respectively, all of which exhibited the gang's distinctive modus operandi.

Following a judicial hearing in Paris, the two detainees were remanded in custody, pending extradition to Spain. The entire operation was conducted under the oversight of the Organic Unit of the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil of Cadiz and the Banditism Repression Brigade of the Paris district, acting under the jurisdiction of Court of Instruction No. 2 of Chiclana.