A man in his 60s, of Spanish nationality, was arrested by Mossos d’esquadra on suspicion of sexually abusing minors, with at least two confirmed victims. Sources cited by EL PERIÓDICO from the Prensa Ibérica group indicate the suspect posed as a girl to gain access to vulnerable young people. He was linked to a Barcelona football club environment and presented himself as a club watcher to deceive those in socially vulnerable situations. The individual had four prior criminal sentences and had recently been released after serving those penalties. Police believe more victims may be involved.
The suspect had already served prior sentences for similar acts, and records were reportedly erased as required by law.
Mossos became aware of the offender after a Barcelona club alerted authorities through a family contact. Parents asked the club director whether the man who had contacted their son truly worked as a scout for the organization. Panic followed when the club denied any connection to the incident, and the suspect allegedly claimed to be a scout and representative for several clubs.
A Barcelona club remains vigilant after a family raised concerns
Investigators from the San Martí district police unit began inquiries into the suspect, whose identity was established via his real name. Early on, officers noted the individual was male and that previous police records had been erased after he reportedly paid his debt to justice. The case stirred questions about how past penalties were resolved and whether they should have remained accessible.
criminal convictions
Authorities determined the man had four prior arrests and four convictions, all stemming from offenses involving sexual abuse of minors. He served prison time for those offenses. Mossos intensified surveillance as the investigation continued.
Officers learned the suspect worked for a private security company and had a residence in La Llagosta, near Plaza de Catalunya, in a neighborhood of apartment blocks. Observations indicated his free time was often spent in parks and football fields around Barcelona. When potential victims appeared, he would approach them, claiming to observe players for football clubs such as Penya Barcelona Barcino, Penya Barcelonista Cinc Copes, or Football Club Sant Martí.
fake tracker
Sources say the man did not hesitate to establish rapports with the families of potential victims, continuing the guise of a scout and club representative. He targeted families with immigrant backgrounds, who might be more easily influenced. Allegations claim that minors were brought to his La Llagosta office under the pretext of filing complaints, undergoing what were described as stress tests and physical checks. At that time Catalan police believed sexual abuse might have occurred, though there is no evidence yet that any contact crossed a physical boundary.
The investigation accelerated last Thursday during one of several follow-ups when investigators observed him with a minor in Barcelona, driving toward La Llagosta. Authorities noted the private security company had removed metal shutters outside business hours and that the pair entered the building. Evidence suggested the minor had removed his shirt when officials intervened.
Nerves and attempted aggression
Neighbors recount that the suspect was arrested around 13:00 and a lengthy search of the building followed. Police presence in the area drew attention, and word spread that the owner of the alarm room faced pedophilia allegations. A local fishing shop owner described the man as someone who dressed consistently in light brown pants and a jacket, driving an old car. He was seen entering the building regularly around late afternoon, staying until after dark, but never seen with a child.
Even though most neighbors in La Llagosta did not know him, the proximity of his home to a playground alarmed parents. Some approached officers to ask whether children had been harmed. One parent, Ángel, recalled stepping forward with concern, while another resident reacted with anger, tossing a bottle toward the suspect.
in pretrial jail
The man was detained Thursday afternoon. A search of his workplace and vehicle yielded children’s clothing, documents from football clubs, massage therapy guides, and consent forms signed by some parents. He appeared in court early Saturday morning. After questioning, the court ordered preventive detention while investigations continue. Authorities are now examining whether other victims, including older individuals, may have been exploited under the same ruse of turning them into football players.