• The phones were intercepted in packages during inspection at export air cargo warehouses

• The estimated value of the seized terminals is 400,000 euros.

• The phones were destined for Asia, where they were to be sold in pieces.

• ULAR agents are contacting the legitimate owners of the phones to return them.

June 18, 2024.- During the month of February, the Tax Agency and the Civil Guard seized eight packages containing 472 stolen high-end phones at Barcelona airport, with an approximate value of 400,000 euros, destined for Asia.

Agents from the Local Risk Analysis Unit (ULAR) based at the Customs Office of Josep Tarradellas-Barcelona El Prat Airport, made up of Customs Surveillance Agents from Barcelona, by Tax Agency Technicians from the Customs Office of Barcelona Airport and by tax specialists from the Civil Guard of said airport, discovered eight boxes with 472 high-end telephones during the control in the air cargo warehouses of import and export goods.

After analysing the terminals, it was found that most had been stolen in the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Madrid and Aragon, in some cases, through the use of violence and intimidation with knives, causing serious injuries to their owners.

The phones were sent in batches via postal parcel to countries in Asia where they were to be dismantled and sold as spare parts. The estimated value of the phones is 400,000 euros.

The authors of the mailings used false identities, so the investigation is still open to try to uncover the criminal network.

ULAR agents are contacting the legitimate owners of the devices to proceed with their return.