A Lithuanian gang that stole cars across the Costa del Sol and ‘recycled’ them into the legal market has been dismantled.
The operation led by the Policia Nacional has resulted in six arrests, with four suspects remanded in custody.
The investigation began after a surge in car theft reports in the Axarquia area of Malaga.
Victims were reporting that relatively new vehicles with low mileage and often from the same Japanese manufacturer were disappearing without a trace.
What initially appeared to be isolated thefts quickly revealed a highly organised criminal network operating across multiple provinces.
The investigation, known as Operation Cabo, was carried out by specialist UDYCO officers based in Velez-Malaga.
The thefts were carried out mainly in Malaga province while the leadership of the network was based in Almeria.
How the gang operated
Once stolen, the vehicles were taken to remote locations and left hidden for a period – a technique known as ‘cooling’ – to avoid immediate detection.
They were then transported to Almeria, where they underwent a full transformation to re-enter the legal market.
This process included changing licence plates, altering chassis numbers, falsifying documentation and using advanced technology to clone keys and electronic control units.
Police said the organisation had ‘highly specialised personnel’ dedicated to each phase of the operation.
The goal was to sell nearly-new vehicles at high prices in Spain and across Europe.
Arrests across Spain
The alleged ringleader was arrested in Almeria, while four other suspects were detained in Velez-Malaga and Mijas.
A sixth arrest was made in Orihuela, highlighting the reach of the network.
Vehicles recovered
So far, officers have recovered 13 stolen vehicles, all of which have been returned to their owners.
Searches carried out during the operation uncovered theft tools, document-forging equipment, electronic devices and more than €2,000 in cash.
Police say the investigation remains open, with further arrests and vehicle recoveries still possible.
