Catalan police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, are struggling to contain a significant increase in truck robberies on the AP-7 motorway. "Teloneros" gangs are becoming more active and violent, particularly at service areas across Catalonia. This surge saw 150 reported incidents in the first quarter of 2026 alone, according to police data.
The AP-7, a vital artery traversing Catalonia from north to south, has become a hotspot for these organised criminal groups. They primarily target parked lorries at night, often near the Porta de Barcelona service area, adjacent to the capital. Police sources acknowledge that despite increased deployments and controls, these gangs remain "one step ahead" of law enforcement. The lucrative black market for stolen goods further complicates police efforts. These products are difficult to trace once sold, making recovery challenging.
These "teloneros" gangs operate with speed and coordination. They first inspect loads, select targets, then tear open tarpaulins to access trailers. They quickly transfer stolen goods into getaway vehicles, often escaping at high speeds, sometimes even driving against traffic. Police report that gang members also throw objects at officers. They abandon vehicles on the motorway to flee on foot. This creates significant safety risks for other road users and police personnel. This aggressive behaviour marks a worrying escalation in their tactics.
Escalating Violence and Dangerous Escapes
The gangs increasingly resort to dangerous tactics during their escapes. They do not hesitate to drive at high speeds, even in the wrong direction, or to abandon vehicles mid-motorway. This poses a severe threat to both police officers and the public. The stolen merchandise, which includes high-demand products like appliances, clothing, and food, quickly enters the black market. This rapid resale makes police tracking extremely difficult. Mossos d'Esquadra officers state that these items frequently appear at weekly street markets, complicating ongoing investigations into the criminal networks. The police have deployed night drones and uniformed patrols in service areas to counter these tactics, but the gangs continue to find new ways to operate.
Sant Adrià Incident and Key Arrest
A recent shooting incident in La Mina, a neighbourhood in Sant Adrià de Besòs, on Good Friday, 17 April, highlighted the dangerous nature of these gangs. The incident, first reported by ElCaso.com, involved individuals linked to "teloneros" groups. During the confrontation in Plaça de Camarón, a veteran gang member, identified as S.F., pointed a gun at two plainclothes Mossos d'Esquadra officers. Sant Adrià de Besòs, a municipality bordering Barcelona, is home to over 85,000 residents and frequently experiences challenges related to organised crime.
S.F. initially escaped, but Fura agents from Sant Adrià intercepted and arrested him in a vehicle the following day, 18 April. He faced three outstanding warrants for previous offences. The Badalona duty court subsequently ordered his imprisonment. Police sources indicate that S.F. was a leader within one of these groups, and his arrest represented a significant blow to their operations. However, this single arrest has not deterred the wider network.
Evolving Criminal Tactics and Ongoing Challenges
These "teloneros" gangs, often of Roma ethnicity, previously engaged in "alunizajes," or ram-raid robberies, where they crashed vehicles into shop windows to steal goods. They have since specialised in the more lucrative AP-7 truck robberies, adapting their methods to exploit vulnerabilities in logistics and security. Despite the arrest of a key figure like S.F., police note no reduction in the gangs' overall activity or intensity. This ongoing challenge causes significant insecurity for lorry drivers traversing Catalonia's main motorway, a critical route for goods transport across Europe. The Mossos d'Esquadra continue to deploy resources, including night drones and uniformed patrols, to combat the persistent threat and protect commercial transport. The police also face the challenge of dismantling the extensive black market that profits from these thefts.
The Mossos d'Esquadra maintain pressure on these organised groups, but the active and profitable black market for stolen goods continues to fuel the problem. Authorities recognise the need for sustained efforts to dismantle these networks and enhance security for commercial transport along the AP-7, a critical economic corridor for Catalonia. This ongoing battle requires continuous adaptation from law enforcement to protect both property and public safety, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and reducing risks for drivers.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.
