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Police have broken up a crime group accused of carrying out smash-and-grab raids on jewellers and explosive attacks on cash machines across the Valencia area, after nine arrests in Spain and damage estimated at €2 million.
The National Police said the alleged network was based in the province of Valencia and had a hierarchical structure, with members assigned different roles in the robberies. Five of those arrested have been remanded in custody, including the two suspected ringleaders.
The arrests were made in Valencia, Bailén in Jaén and Murcia. Investigators say the group is linked to 53 alleged offences.
How the group allegedly operated
According to police, the suspects began with ram-raid style attacks on jewellery shops before moving on to bank robberies using explosives. Officers say the organisation used stolen or high-powered cars for the raids and also employed extinguishers to remove fingerprints and other traces.
Police also recovered weapons, vehicles, cash, jewellery and electronic items during nine searches, seven in Valencia and two in Castellón. The force said two firearms, eight bladed weapons and six imitation weapons were seized, along with four vehicles and about €6,000 in cash.
One of the suspects allegedly tried to flee by climbing over the wall of his home and hiding inside a storage chest, where officers found him beneath a mattress.
Probe started after a jewellery store raid
The investigation began in December 2025 after a raid on a jewellery shop in a shopping centre in Sagunto, where officers say three high-end vehicles were used to steal items worth about €217,000.
Police said the gang later expanded its methods to ATM attacks using an improvised device made from a crutch and an explosive charge. In one incident, the blast caused severe damage to the premises and nearby parked vehicles, according to the investigation.
The case is still open and officers have not ruled out further arrests.
