Auction With a Criminal Past: What’s Up for Grabs
An unusual online auction has kicked off in Spain: the Escrapalia platform is featuring over 148 lots of jewelry and luxury watches seized from drug traffickers. The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Sanidad) is running the auction through the National Plan on Drugs (Plan Nacional Sobre Drogas). All proceeds will go toward programs for drug prevention and treatment, as well as efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking.
The collection includes 23 lots of high-end jewelry, 33 lots of exclusive watches, and 92 lots of jewelry and fashion accessories. Starting prices range from €10 to €150, with certain items—such as gold chains, bracelets, and rings—sold as individual lots. The most valuable pieces, like an 18-carat gold chain or a diamond necklace, have yet to find buyers, even though their starting price is just €150.
Luxury and Exclusivity: What Draws Buyers’ Attention
Luxury watches are attracting particular interest at the auction. Among the highlights: a Rolex Daytona in rose gold with a rubber strap that has already received a €3,602 bid, as well as several Rolex Submariner and Datejust models with mother-of-pearl dials and diamond hour markers. Competition for these lots is especially fierce, since such items rarely appear on the open market.
All items have been carefully evaluated by professional gemologists and experts, guaranteeing their authenticity and compliance with the stated specifications. To participate in the auction, a deposit is required, which is refunded if the participant does not win the lot. This condition ensures the fairness and transparency of the process.
How to participate: Terms and opportunities for buyers
The Escrapalia platform allows both individuals and companies to purchase not only jewelry, but also cars, electronics, and other valuable items confiscated by the state. To take part in the auction, you need to register, select a lot of interest, and carefully review the conditions. Each lot is accompanied by a detailed description, photos, videos, and up-to-date information about the bidding process.
Buyers may inspect the items in person by scheduling a visit through the website. The auction system offers two modes: manual and automatic bidding. In the first, the participant increases the bid personally; in the second, the system automatically raises it up to a set limit.
Final steps: completing your purchase and receiving the lot
Before placing a bid, participants can calculate the final cost, including taxes and fees. The winner receives an invoice and must pay within three days, either by bank card or transfer. After payment is confirmed, the organizers provide all necessary documentation and arrange delivery of the purchased property.
The auction will run until December 4. This is a unique opportunity to acquire luxury items with remarkable histories while also supporting important social initiatives. Collectors and investors are closely watching the lots—as such auctions are a rare occurrence.
