The operation, which began on March 23 with an arrest in Mataró, has unveiled the complex workings of this international network. Finally, on March 30, authorities confirmed a total of 21 arrests across various locations in Catalonia, Andalusia, and Bulgaria. Among those arrested is the alleged leader of the organization, apprehended in Sofia, considered a high-value target by European law enforcement.
In Catalonia, 14 arrests were made, including the one in Mataró, at a time when the network was in a significant expansion phase. The investigation commenced in March 2025, when the Mossos d'Esquadra detected the illegal entry of firearms from Turkey, intended for Catalan criminal groups.
The constant availability of weaponry increased the firepower of the organizations and contributed to the rise in armed violence.
This organization operated with sophisticated logistics, acquiring weapons in the Balkans and Turkey, which were then smuggled into Europe using trucks and vehicles with hidden compartments. Once in European territory, these weapons circulated through criminal channels and were often used as currency in drug trafficking operations, particularly marijuana.
One of the most concerning aspects for investigators is the use of hybrid weapons, known as 'Frankenstein' guns. These fully functional weapons combine original parts with handcrafted metal structures. Their low cost and high operational effectiveness make them an emerging threat in illicit arms trafficking across Europe.
Concurrently, the network was also heavily involved in drug trafficking. The investigation has confirmed that they had the infrastructure to acquire large quantities of marijuana in Catalonia and Málaga, subsequently exporting it to Turkey and other countries like Greece. The routes combined land and sea transport, allowing for the multiplication of the drug's value in the final market. Investigators estimate the network's capacity reached one and a half tons of marijuana monthly.
The Mossos d'Esquadra have highlighted the dangerousness of the network's members, some with backgrounds in violent crimes in Turkey. During the operation, seven semi-automatic pistols, one assault rifle, silencers, and sound suppressors were seized. Additionally, 587.56 kilograms of marijuana and 76.54 kilograms of hashish were confiscated, with an estimated illicit market value of 4.4 million euros.
