National Police units have dismantled an international syndicate involved in the trafficking of illegal vehicles. A total of 19 suspects were detained—16 in Spain and 3 in France. Authorities also seized 54 vehicles valued at more than 1.5 million euros, numerous devices, and over 130 thousand euros in cash across Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and Austria.
News of the operation emerged on Monday, outlining how the investigation began last January when investigators uncovered a criminal group focused on illegally acquiring vehicles. The group’s operating style allowed a broad range of activities, adapting to shifting circumstances with ease.
The core activity involved fabricating lease agreements to acquire mid- to high-range vehicles and SUVs by hijacking the identities of third parties. The organization also purchased financially distressed companies at low cost and used them to place multiple rental cars in a single operation, enabling the seizure of up to 17 vehicles in one sweep.
Investigators also traced a second branch that secured vehicles through fraudulent financing. To do this, the criminals opened bank accounts in victims’ names, using forged identities, and used those documents to fund vehicle purchases.
After vehicles were acquired, they were moved to France through the syndicate’s logistics network, where false documents were issued. Once registered, these cars had access to European and African markets. Marseille’s port was the primary hub where cars were loaded into containers bound for the second continent.
Arrests across multiple provinces
The National Police described the organization as highly structured. At the top level, a chief and his lieutenant managed operations while masking profits to create the impression that wealth came from entertainment venues they run.
Lower down, middle managers oversaw various logistics tasks, including vehicle procurement, gathering personal and financial information from third parties, forging documents, and storing and transporting vehicles. At the bottom were personnel responsible for collecting and delivering vehicles.
thanks to international police cooperation in the operation, a total of 54 vehicles were seized across Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Nineteen suspects have been taken into custody so far, three in France and the rest in Spain (Madrid, León, Barcelona, Castellón, and Badajoz). Authorities conducted checks at automotive workshops and sales companies in France as part of ongoing investigations.
In addition to the vehicles, electronic devices and documentation were seized, along with more than 130,000 euros. One detainee had been a fugitive since 2020 and carried 11 arrest warrants from different courts, eight of which demanded imprisonment. The inquiry remains active, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the case continues to unfold.