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ALL TOWNS
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- EDITIONS: Spanish News Today Murcia Today Andalucia Today
Date Published: 07/06/2022
ARCHIVED - Gang robbed churches in Almeria, Murcia and Alicante to bankroll party-lifestyle
Nine suspects have been arrested in connection with at least 20 robberies in Andalucia, the Region of Murcia and Alicante province
The National Police have closed in on an organised gang that targeted at least 20 churches and elderly residences in Almeria, Murcia and Alicante stealing valuables to fund a lavish party lifestyle.
Nine people have been arrested, two of whom have been remanded in custody and are awaiting trial. One of the main suspects apparently stayed at a well-known four-star hotel in Murcia city for a week with his girlfriend, running up a 10,000-euro bill allegedly paid for with the criminal proceeds.
The spate of burglaries with force began in January, initially in towns close to the suspects' homes, but they soon began to "expand their scope", according to police sources.
The gang would spend time observing security at the establishments and wait until the early hours of the morning to sneak into parishes and churches, looking for cash from parishioners' donations, valuables used in the Eucharist and jewellery adorning the sacred images.
Detectives began to make enquiries in different pawnshops across the three provinces, and interviewed parish priests and clergy to identify stolen items.
"Each member played a role: from the youngest, who used their agility and light weight to gain access through the windows, to an expert who was in charge of pawning the jewellery," said the police, adding that the stolen money was spent on gambling and parties.
Image: Policía Nacional
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