In a case that highlighted the reach of villa theft rings, a Civil Guard operation targeted a group of Albanians specialized in raiding upscale homes in Madrid’s outskirts. The incident occurred toward the end of last August in the town of Boadilla del Monte, where the security forces intervened when a high-profile home belonging to a Real Madrid footballer became the center of attention. The alarm system activated, and the intended intrusion did not go as planned, leading to a swift police response and a detailed investigation. Source: Civil Guard records.
The suspects were a four-member unit, aged between 24 and 45, and they reportedly traveled from their homeland to carry out assignments for periods typically spanning two to three months. After their capture, authorities reported that the group was detained and would face prosecution for the coordinated criminal activity. Their method involved careful planning and repetition, indicating a systematic approach to breaking into private residences within residential districts. The group’s pattern suggested they targeted properties where residents were known to be away, though in this specific case, Dani Carvajal, a prominent figure, was not at home; however, some staff members remained on site, presenting an alternate opportunity for entry.
Investigators described how the group’s entry sequence often began with approaching the target property by leaping over perimeter barriers, followed by discreet surveillance of the interior from exterior vantage points. Their objective was clear and practical: to assess how many people were present inside and where valuables might be located. This reconnaissance phase appeared to be a standard part of their operation, enabling two members to gain access upstairs while the remaining two monitored the premises from concealed positions. Source: Civil Guard reports.
During the subsequent phases, the intruders reportedly focused on valuables commonly found in affluent homes, including jewelry, timepieces, cash, and other portable assets. The careful selection of targets and the precise execution of entry points suggested a well-rehearsed protocol designed to minimize disturbance and maximize the likelihood of a successful theft. The investigation is evaluating twelve known incidents tied to this group in Madrid’s municipalities of Boadilla del Monte, Villaviciosa de Odón, and Venturada, with authorities reviewing information on an additional fifty alleged robberies for potential links. Source: Civil Guard communications.
One of the earliest acts documented in this new offensive phase was an attempted intrusion at Dani Carvajal’s residence, a signal that the network was attempting to extend its reach into high-profile properties. The Civil Guard has reported that a stockpile of items, allegedly obtained through robberies, was recovered from a residence or shared property around San Sebastián de los Reyes in Madrid, indicating a broader operational footprint. In conjunction with this, authorities seized a vehicle used in the attacks and a collection of tools capable of defeating lock systems, underscoring the level of sophistication and preparedness behind the operations. These seizures formed part of the ongoing effort to map the group’s strategies and disrupt their advancing activity.