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A major criminal network behind a string of organised thefts at Spanish airports has been dismantled by the Guardia Civil, following a months-long investigation that began at Tenerife South.

 

The operation, codenamed Simba Free, has led to 66 arrests, 18 further people under investigation, and the identification of three minors involved in the crimes. Altogether, the group is believed to have stolen items worth around 223,000 euros.

 

The case first came to light in May, when airport security noticed a pattern of suspicious behaviour involving several people acting in coordination within restricted shopping areas. According to the Guardia Civil, this wasn’t just a few isolated incidents. Instead, it turned out to be a well-organised network operating across several Spanish airports, including Bilbao, Madrid, Málaga and Alicante, as well as others in the Canary Islands.

 

The group mainly targeted duty-free shops, helping themselves to high-end perfumes and cosmetics which were later sold on both in Spain and abroad. To get past security, the thieves would buy cheap flights they had no intention of boarding, access the departure zones, swipe merchandise, and then simply leave.

 

Investigators say the operation was carefully planned and relied on an in-depth knowledge of airport layouts and procedures. The thieves worked quickly and discreetly, hiding stolen goods in large shopping bags and walking out unnoticed.

 

At the centre of the group was a young woman from the Canary Islands, described by the Guardia Civil as the ringleader. She assigned roles and coordinated each job, often travelling to the airport in a rented car despite not having a driving licence.

 

Worryingly, the group also recruited minors and individuals in vulnerable situations, offering them money in exchange for their participation in the thefts.

 

Among the more brazen incidents, one suspect was found carrying a large stash of stolen perfumes in his suitcase. He had bought his flight ticket using the ID of a prison inmate. Another was caught trying to sell 30,000 euros’ worth of stolen products, backed by a fake invoice.

 

Officers have now recovered more than 70,000 euros in stolen goods, and all those detained have been brought before the Court of First Instance and Instruction Number 5 in Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife.

 

 

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