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International high-end vehicle theft network dismantled in Marina Baixa police operation

Benidorm / 27 May 2026

An international criminal organisation accused of stealing and illegally re-registering luxury and high-end vehicles across the Marina Baixa region has been dismantled following a major joint operation by the National Police Corps of Spain and the Civil Guard.

The investigation, carried out under the operation name “Poncho-Transformer-Wheels25”, resulted in nine arrests, six property searches across Alicante province and the recovery of nine stolen vehicles.

Luxury vehicles targeted across Costa Blanca

According to investigators, the network specialised in stealing mid- to high-end vehicles before altering identifying details and using forged documentation to legalise the cars for resale across European markets.

The organisation allegedly operated from several municipalities in the Marina Baixa area, including La Nucía, Altea, L'Alfàs del Pi and La Vila Joiosa.

Police say the gang used sophisticated electronic systems capable of bypassing vehicle locking and ignition technology. Investigators also discovered the use of tracking devices placed on target vehicles to monitor owners’ movements before the thefts took place.

Workshop investigation led to operation

The investigation reportedly began after authorities received intelligence regarding a workshop in La Nucía allegedly linked to the manipulation of stolen vehicles using documentation from written-off cars purchased through auctions and scrapyards.

Officers say the criminal structure included specialists responsible for vehicle theft, document falsification and financial operations used to support the network’s activities.

Cash, forged documents and vehicle parts seized

During six coordinated searches, officers seized:

More than €71,500 in cash
Electronic devices used to open and reprogramme vehicles
Forged identity and registration documents
Vehicle parts from scrapped cars
Two vehicles allegedly used during the theft operations

The nine suspects arrested — seven men and two women aged between 29 and 52 — have been placed before courts in Benidorm and Villajoyosa.

Investigation remains ongoing

Spanish authorities confirmed that the investigation remains open and further arrests are not ruled out.

Police are also continuing efforts to identify additional stolen vehicles and possible victims linked to the organisation’s activities across Spain and other European countries.

Vehicle theft involving electronic hacking methods has become an increasing concern across parts of Europe in recent years, particularly involving high-value SUVs and luxury vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.