In May 2021, a Mossos d’Esquadra officer fielded a complaint from a woman who reported a disturbing encounter while driving in the area. A close-knit group of five friends from Castelldefels became the focus of an investigation, drawing comparisons to a highly publicized case in Pamplona from 2016. By December, the authorities ordered the five individuals to be held in custody as a precaution, under the jurisdiction of the Gavà court. The case centered on alleged sexual assaults coordinated by a coordinated group, with connections to dating app encounters and controlled meetings that escalated beyond consensual boundaries. This development sparked intense curiosity and concern across the community. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].
During May 2021, strict restrictions affected nightlife and social gatherings, laying a tense backdrop for the events. The alleged victims met the group through a dating app, and one woman agreed to return to a private residence, unaware that she would be accompanied by others. She later reported to the Mossos that what began as a private encounter turned into a coordinated assault by multiple people. The initial accusation was that the group exploited a vulnerable moment to press beyond consent, a claim that led investigators to pursue a deeper look into the five Castelldefels residents. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].
In November of the same year, authorities identified the five suspects and recovered several mobile devices as part of the evidence. The suspects were described as men in their 30s and 40s, with three holding Spanish nationality, one from Romania, and another from Cuba. The mobile data recovered in this phase played a crucial role in mapping the events and the sequence of encounters. The investigation highlighted that the men communicated through a group chat, which was later evaluated for patterns consistent with non-consensual sexual activity. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].
Extracting truth from digital traces
The effort to extract information from mobile devices proved to be a slow and painstaking process for Catalan investigators. Yet the painstaking work paid off by revealing a communications trail that illustrated how the encounters were organized and how the group acted in concert. The material suggested that a dating-app facilitated approach had been used to assemble meetings that escalated into sexual violence. Such digital traces were described as central to understanding the dynamic of the alleged crimes. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].
Following the analysis, forensic teams in Gavà and other investigative units examined the evidence with the aim of identifying all victims who might be linked to the case. Officials noted that one of the women involved was particularly vulnerable, underscoring concerns about the safety of individuals who may be at higher risk. The broader pattern reportedly involved a deliberate approach to meeting with multiple targets, using dating apps and social networks to coordinate encounters that later became non-consensual. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].
Judicial steps and ongoing cases
On a recent Wednesday night, the Supreme Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) confirmed a court decision to detain the five suspects without bail. The timeline suggests more than a year and a half elapsed between the initial complaint and the arrest, underscoring the complexity and seriousness of the allegations. In a statement issued by the judicial press service, authorities described the case as involving an organized group acting on equal footing with the victims. The document indicated that the group targeted women, exploited their perceived vulnerability, and subjected them to non-consensual sexual practices. It was noted that three victims had been clearly identified, while indications from mobile-phone data suggested additional victims whose identities remained undetermined. The description painted a troubling portrait of habitual behavior and gender-based contempt, casting women as objects for sexual gratification. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].
Local officials in Castelldefels confirmed that the arrests occurred within the municipality, while adding that local police were not directly involved in the operation. Investigations remain active, with concerns about potential additional arrests and the possibility of new victims, suggesting that the full scope of the case may still be unfolding. The authorities emphasized that the inquiry continues to explore all angles and victims connected to the group, reinforcing a commitment to uncovering the truth. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].
As researchers and investigators press forward, the case has prompted discussions about consent, group dynamics, and the use of digital technologies to plan and execute sexual violence. The evolving nature of the inquiry highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and support for victims, while authorities work to ensure accountability for those accused. The broader public discourse remains focused on safeguarding communities and reinforcing the principle that consent is non-negotiable in every encounter. [Cited: El Perif3dico via Prensa Ibe9rica].