Police have arrested 36 members of Naples-based gangs notorious for stealing luxury watches worth millions of euros. Additionally, 25 other individuals have been identified, with European arrest warrants issued against them. These criminal groups primarily target cities in Spain, including Barcelona, Ibiza, Madrid, and Marbella, where they steal high-end timepieces.
The gangs operate with a highly organized approach. They often target victims on the streets, using force when necessary to snatch watches. Motorcycles are frequently employed in their crimes, with one individual stealing the watch while the other speeds away on the bike. In some cases, they use additional vehicles to quickly transport the stolen goods back to Italy.
According to authorities, 12 luxury watches worth approximately €2 million were recovered from these gangs last year. Some of the watches were valued at over €200,000, with one reaching a staggering €500,000. The groups are primarily based in specific neighborhoods of Naples, with some members linked to the Camorra mafia, which is involved in drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
To combat these crimes, police have established specialized units, including the “Rolex Team,” “Chronos Team,” and “Titan Team.” These units have carried out numerous successful operations in recent years, including the arrest of 230 thieves in just six months during 2022.
The latest operation, which began two years ago, involved collaboration between Italian police and law enforcement agencies in other countries. Europol oversaw the operation, with Italian police playing a key role. CCTV footage has captured the gangs in action, showing how they overpower their victims. In one video, a man is seen having his watch stolen while sitting in his car, while another clip shows a woman being targeted while with her young child.
Police emphasize that victim complaints and watch serial numbers are crucial in their investigations, as this information helps prevent the resale of stolen items. During the operation, authorities also seized several luxury watches, motorcycle helmets, mobile phones, and other items that serve as evidence of the gangs’ criminal activities.
This operation marks a significant step in the fight against luxury watch theft not only in Spain but across Europe, offering hope for curbing these high-value crimes.
