The suspect would build rapport with shop staff before attempting to purchase high-value items. When paying, he pretended his credit card was not working and offered to make an international transfer from his phone instead.

Although he assured employees the funds would arrive the following day, the transfers were never completed. Police have recovered some of the stolen goods and found that the individual had previously used this method in other countries.

After giving a statement to the police, the man has been summoned to appear before the court in Vilanova i la Geltrú. The investigation remains open to identify further potential victims.