Group linked to burglaries at footballers’ homes dismantled in Catalonia

A criminal group suspected of burglaries at footballers’ homes has been dismantled in Catalonia. Catalan police described a group specialising in break-ins at the homes of people with “a high public profile”, including footballers, and operating in several municipalities since the beginning of 2025.

The operation, carried out on 1 October, led to the arrest of two men aged 58 and 42 and a 46-year-old woman. Investigators link them to at least eight incidents, including two burglaries in Castelldefels, as well as cases in Papiol, Sant Vicenç de Montalt, Cubelles, Peralada, Sant Pere de Ribes and Agullana.

Goalkeeper Joan García was among the victims. The most prominent case was reportedly the burglary at his home on 10 January: two individuals reportedly entered the house he shares with his partner in a municipality in Baix Llobregat, Barcelona. These details were reported as part of the investigation into the group.

The investigation was reportedly launched after similarities emerged between burglaries in different parts of Catalonia. Investigators reportedly identified common features in the targets selected and the methods used, with homes belonging to high-profile people being targeted.