The arrests occurred in two operations. In the first, three men were detained, allegedly dedicated to stealing vehicles parked in the parking areas of gyms, shopping centers, transport stations, and residential buildings. In a parallel investigation, a fourth suspect was arrested for appropriating scooters advertised on second-hand sales platforms.
The main investigation began in May after a common pattern was detected in the thefts, which were carried out during the day in public spaces with great speed. According to the investigation, the ringleader received orders and instructed the other two members, who would locate the vehicles and break the locks with bolt cutters hidden in backpacks or clothing.
The stolen items were then taken to a premises managed by the alleged leader, where they were stored and prepared for sale. A victim recognized their stolen bicycle, taken days earlier from a gym, displayed in the shop window. This led agents to search the premises on June 8, recover the stolen items, and return them to their owners. The first three arrested are accused of eleven counts of theft and receiving stolen goods.
Separately, a fourth man was arrested who allegedly used second-hand sales platforms to contact sellers of electric scooters. After gaining the victims' trust and asking to test the vehicle, he would reportedly leave with the scooter and cease all communication. Investigators attribute four criminal acts to this suspect for a continuous offense against property.
