A thief has been arrested in Spain after being found with 139 stolen mobile phones in his suitcase.

The suspect was stopped at Barcelona’s Estacio del Nord bus station while attempting to board a coach bound for Romania.

According to the Policia Nacional, officers became suspicious after noticing the man’s ‘nervous and evasive’ behaviour during security checks for the special operation linked to a visit by Pope Leo XIV.

When officers searched his bags, they discovered 139 mobile phones, most of which are believed to have been stolen during the Primavera Sound music festival held in Barcelona on June 6 and 7.

Investigators say the majority of the devices belonged to people attending the popular music event at Barcelona’s Parc del Forum.

Police believe the suspect may have personally stolen some of the phones while also purchasing other stolen devices with the intention of selling them abroad.

He has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated theft and handling stolen goods.

Criminal networks frequently target crowded concerts, festivals and transport hubs, with stolen phones often transported overseas for resale on the black market.

The Policia Nacional’s Mobile Brigade, which specialises in security at major transport infrastructure, carried out the arrest as part of routine operations at international rail, maritime and bus terminals.

Officers are now working to identify the owners of the recovered devices and return them where possible.