Luxury 4×4 theft gang in Velez Malaga busted

A criminal gang that specialised in the theft of luxury 4x4s in the Malaga area has been dismantled by authorities.

The organisation, based in Velez Malaga, was rumbled after a six month long investigation by Spanish and Italian police forces.

Based in the Axarquian capital, the gang would travel east to areas such as Malaga and Marbella, steal luxury 4×4 vehicles then return them to garages, rented by the gang, across Axarquia.

The investigation began on July 22 when an Italian plated vehicle drew suspicion in Velez Malaga. As it was being observed another Italian plated vehicle arrived, dropped off the driver who entered the vehicle and both drove off at full speed.

Upon checking the vehicle, police realised that it had been reported stolen in Marbella.

Hours later, the driver of the vehicle was arrested as he attempted to use it again.

He was found to have on his person an electrical device used to unlock and start vehicles without the key, common in the world of car theft.

Further investigations led authorities to understand that a criminal organisation was behind the robberies.

During the investigation, four luxury 4x4s have been recovered and seven people have been arrested of German, Italian, Romanian and Algerian nationalities.

Along with the arrests, €7,000 has been seized, along with, weapons and ammunition, false number plates, tools and other artefacts.