Guardia Civil Uncovers Organized Crime Network at Tenerife South Airport

A major Guardia Civil operation has exposed an organized crime network accused of stealing valuables from passenger suitcases at Tenerife South Airport and funnelling them into the black market. This alarming revelation has raised significant concerns about the integrity of airport security and the safety of travelers using one of Spain’s busiest airports.

Investigation Details

At least twenty people are now under investigation, many of whom are suspected airport staff responsible for handling baggage between aircraft and the reclaim carousel. The investigation began after a series of complaints from travelers who reported items vanishing from their luggage. These complaints prompted the Guardia Civil to delve deeper into the operations at the airport, leading to the discovery of a sophisticated theft ring.

According to security sources, the gang targeted high-value goods including luxury watches, jewellery, smartphones, and other electronics—items that could be easily resold for profit. The meticulous planning and execution of these thefts suggest a well-organized operation, with insiders likely providing critical information to facilitate the crimes.

Coordinated Crackdown

The crackdown began in the early hours of Tuesday, when agents from the Guardia Civil moved into the airport and carried out coordinated searches across several areas of the terminal. This surprise operation aimed to catch the perpetrators off guard and gather evidence of their illicit activities. Later in the day, detectives raided a jewellery store in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, spending three hours combing through stock on Calle Juan Bethencourt Alfonso, also known as Calle San José.

Investigators are now working to establish whether the shop received stolen items from the network. The case is being overseen by the Court in Granadilla de Abona, which has imposed secrecy orders to prevent details from leaking and to ensure the operation can reach every level of the gang’s structure. This level of judicial oversight underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.

Ongoing Concerns

This scandal is the latest in a string of serious baggage theft cases linked to Tenerife South Airport. In December 2023, Guardia Civil officers arrested 14 employees and placed 20 more under investigation for a similar crime. At that time, stolen goods were valued at nearly two million euros, with watches, jewellery, and electronics again topping the list of missing items. The recurrence of such incidents raises alarming questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place at the airport.

With 13.7 million passengers passing through Tenerife South last year alone, which is an increase of more than 11% compared to 2023, the revelations have sent shockwaves across the Canary Islands. The growing number of travelers highlights the urgent need for enhanced security protocols to protect passengers and their belongings at one of Spain’s busiest tourist gateways. Authorities are now under pressure to implement stricter measures to prevent further incidents and restore public confidence in airport security.

Key points

• Guardia Civil operation exposes organized crime network at Tenerife South Airport.
• At least twenty individuals, including airport staff, are under investigation.
• Gang targeted high-value items like luxury watches and electronics.
• Coordinated searches conducted at the airport and a jewellery store in Santa Cruz.
• Granadilla de Abona Court overseeing the investigation with imposed secrecy orders.
• Previous baggage theft incidents at the airport involved arrests of 14 employees.
• 13.7 million passengers passed through Tenerife South Airport last year.