Ramón Chacón, the head of the Mossos d'Esquadra's Criminal Investigation Division (CGIC), demanded more tools and increased international cooperation to combat foreign mafias operating across Catalonia. Speaking at the Dia de les Esquadres ceremony on Tuesday at the Mossos d'Esquadra central complex in Sabadell, Commissioner Chacón warned that these organisations have brought their "wars" to the region.
He urged states to improve access to international police databases. Chacón lamented, "We cannot have a shooting in Barcelona and be unable to compare the shell casings with other countries." This statement referenced the recent execution of a Montenegrin mafia leader in the Diagonal Mar area, a high-profile crime that shocked residents and tourists in the city.
Addressing Organised Crime in Catalonia
Chacón highlighted the critical role of drug trafficking in most fatal incidents in Catalonia. He specifically mentioned the ongoing conflict between Dominican clans in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, a city home to over 260,000 residents, where police anticipate heightened tension. These drug-related disputes often escalate into violence, impacting public safety.
Despite these challenges, Chacón defended the work of the Mossos d'Esquadra. He expressed pride in the officers, noting that 2025 crime data showed a "spectacular" 20% reduction in homicides and a 4% decrease in overall crimes. However, he acknowledged, "The data is very good, but the public feeling is not."
Key Investigations and European Context
The Commissioner also praised specific investigations, such as the Tracia case. This operation prevented a Turkish organisation from introducing weapons into Catalonia in exchange for marijuana. According to Europol, the Tracia case represents the largest blow against arms trafficking in Europe.
Catalonia maintains a strong position regarding public safety within the European Union. Homicide rates place the region seventh among EU states with the fewest crimes per inhabitant. This statistic provides a broader context for the local crime figures.
Recent Homicides and Public Concern
Chacón recognised that three recent homicides, occurring in Esplugues, Barcelona's Raval district, and Salt, generated a "feeling of insecurity and fear" among the public. He clarified that these incidents do not relate to the dynamics of international mafias. However, he insisted that the phenomenon of organised crime remains a significant concern for the police force.
He described the previous week as "tough, turbulent, and tragic," making special mention of the "brutal" and "random" death of a woman in Esplugues. This case "shocked" society. Chacón warned, "It could have happened to any of us." The Mossos d'Esquadra are treating this crime as unrelated to jihadist terrorism.
Lahcen Benali, the 37-year-old Moroccan-born man arrested for the Esplugues murder, has entered a psychiatric unit in prison. He was previously admitted to a psychiatric facility in Burgos in 2022 after attacking police and shouting Islamist slogans, claiming "Allah was with him." Police sources indicate no link has been found between Benali and any radicalisation process that would connect the Esplugues crime to radical Islamism, at least for now.
These celebrations for the Criminal Investigation Division, held in Egara and other locations across Catalonia, conclude two weeks of events honouring Mossos d'Esquadra agents and other emergency services for their meritorious actions over the past year. The ongoing fight against organised crime and the need for international collaboration will remain a priority for Catalan law enforcement.
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.
