Police dismantle 'Vatican gang' that stole €3 million in Madrid jewelry heists using disguises

The investigation begins

On 27 March, three men attempted to rob a BBVA branch in San Blas-Canillejas, one disguised as a woman, another as a delivery driver. They fled empty-handed, but the rental car left a trail.

“We found out who had rented the vehicle and that allowed us to start the investigation.”

The group had previously committed distraction thefts against elderly people across Spain, but the failed bank heist marked a shift to more violent, high-value targets.

Escalation to jewelry stores

After the bank attempt, the gang turned to jewelry stores. On 13 April, they struck in Tetuán, using a chokehold on an employee and taking €500,000. On 30 April, they hit Usera, threatening three employees with a gun and escaping with €600,000. On 15 May, during the San Isidro festival, they robbed a store in Torrejón de Ardoz, netting €1.5 million after holding a suspicious employee at gunpoint.

Disguises and recruitment

The gang, mostly Peruvians aged 20 to 50, lived in a squatted house in Puente de Vallecas. They recruited vulnerable compatriots in parks and shopping centres, paying €50 to €200 for surveillance. Disguises ranged from construction workers to a priest and nun, used in their final heist on 10 June in Ciudad Lineal.

“There were people in charge of scouting the jewelry stores and checking their security measures.”

The final takedown

On 10 June, police spotted two members dressed as a priest and a nun casing stores. They were arrested in the act. In total, 10 or 11 people were detained (sources vary), with five remanded in custody. The loot, over €3 million, has not been recovered.