A man was arrested at Barcelona-Nord station with 139 stolen phones. The devices, worth €150,000, were taken during Primavera Sound. Police intercepted him as he tried to leave for Romania.
Barcelona police have intercepted a major theft operation linked to the recent Primavera Sound festival, detaining a man at the Barcelona-Nord bus station with 139 stolen mobile phones in his possession. The devices, collectively valued at €150,000, were reportedly taken from festivalgoers during the event held at the Fòrum between June 4 and 7.
The arrest took place as the suspect prepared to board a bus bound for Romania. Officers, deployed as part of a heightened security operation coinciding with the visit of Pope León XIV, noticed the man's nervous behavior in the station. Upon inspection, they discovered the large cache of mobile phones, most of which had been reported stolen from attendees of Primavera Sound.
Authorities have charged the individual with aggravated theft and possession of stolen goods. The police response highlights ongoing efforts to combat organized pickpocketing and theft at major public events in Barcelona, a city that regularly attracts large crowds for concerts and festivals. The swift action at Barcelona-Nord prevented the stolen devices from leaving Spain, potentially aiding in the recovery process for victims.
Incidents involving high-value thefts at public venues are not isolated. In a similar case, a specialty shop in Alcalá de Henares suffered significant losses when thieves targeted rare collectibles, as detailed in this report on a robbery of valuable Pokémon cards in Madrid. Both cases underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting residents and visitors during large-scale events.
Barcelona remains a focal point for international gatherings, making it a target for organized theft rings. Police routinely increase patrols and surveillance during festivals and major gatherings, but the scale of this latest seizure stands out. According to official data, mobile phone theft is among the most frequently reported crimes at large events in Spain, prompting ongoing reviews of security protocols. The recovery of such a significant number of devices in a single operation is rare and may serve as a deterrent ahead of future festivals in the city.
