Guardia Civil Dismantles Major Theft Network at Tenerife South Airport

The Guardia Civil has successfully completed a significant operation at Tenerife South Airport, leading to the dismantling of a large-scale criminal network accused of stealing valuables from passenger luggage. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges of security in one of Spain’s busiest airports, especially during peak travel seasons.

A Widespread Airport Theft Scheme

The investigation, which began nearly two years ago, has culminated in the arrest of 44 individuals, with an additional 41 people currently under investigation. This brings the total number of individuals implicated in this extensive criminal operation to 85. The group primarily consisted of airport workers who allegedly exploited their access to baggage handling areas, systematically robbing travelers’ suitcases as they passed through the airport.

The combined investigations, known as Operation Oretel and Operation Boro TF, uncovered a sophisticated network involved in theft, money laundering, and organized crime. The initial phase of the investigation, which took place in December 2023, resulted in 14 arrests and 20 formal investigations targeting staff employed by various companies operating at Tenerife South Airport.

The follow-up phase, which concluded this week, saw a further 30 individuals detained and 21 more placed under investigation. The network is accused of robbing luggage directly from aircraft holds before take-off, a tactic that not only demonstrates the audacity of the criminals but also raises serious questions about airport security protocols.

Nearly €2 Million in Stolen Goods

Utilizing their positions as baggage handlers, the suspects allegedly operated in coordinated teams, deliberately slowing down the loading process to provide themselves with more time to search through bags. They would use small tools to open zippers, remove valuable items such as jewellery, watches, mobile phones, and electronics, and then re-seal the bags to conceal any evidence of tampering. This methodical approach allowed them to evade detection for an extended period.

By late 2023, investigators had estimated the total value of the stolen goods at nearly €2 million. Searches conducted at employee lockers, homes, and vehicles uncovered a staggering array of stolen items, including 29 luxury watches, 120 pieces of gold and gemstone jewellery, 22 high-end mobile phones, various electronic devices, and €13,000 in cash. Additionally, a luxury car was seized, further illustrating the scale of the operation.

Following the trail of stolen jewellery, officers discovered that much of the loot had been sold to a jewellery shop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which allegedly acted as a front for laundering the stolen items. During a recent inspection, police seized over €59,000 worth of jewellery believed to have originated from passenger luggage, raising concerns about the extent of the network’s operations and its connections within the local business community.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The extensive police work was carried out by the Fiscal and Border Investigation Unit (UAFIF) at Tenerife South Airport, with crucial support from the Citizen Security Unit (USECIC) and the Judicial Police Division. The operation was conducted under the direction of the Court of Instruction No. 4 of Granadilla de Abona, ensuring that all legal protocols were followed throughout the investigation.

The Guardia Civil has confirmed that this operation marks the final phase of the investigation, successfully dismantling a criminal network that had infiltrated airport services and targeted thousands of travelers passing through one of Spain’s busiest holiday gateways. The implications of this operation extend beyond the immediate arrests; it serves as a warning to other potential criminals that law enforcement agencies are vigilant and capable of addressing such organized crime.

Key points

• Guardia Civil dismantled a theft network at Tenerife South Airport.
• 44 arrests and 41 additional investigations were conducted.
• The network included airport workers exploiting their access to luggage.
• Stolen goods valued at nearly €2 million were recovered.
• Items included luxury watches, jewellery, and mobile phones.
• A jewellery shop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife was implicated in laundering stolen items.
• The operation was supported by multiple police units and judicial authorities.