Overview
- Five men were arrested and two others were placed under investigation in Operación Vanchange, which targeted an organized group based in Valencia.
- The case covers thefts across multiple provinces including Albacete, Alicante, Castellón, Cuenca, Murcia, Tarragona, Teruel and Zaragoza.
- Investigators say the group used frequently swapped rental cars, false identities and in‑store distraction tactics to remove carts of high‑value items.
- A court‑authorized search at a residence in Gavarda yielded cash and stolen merchandise, and two suspects were detained there the same day.
- Authorities report the men, aged 33 to 54, face charges that include 58 thefts, membership of a criminal organization and 22 breaches of prior court orders.