Overview
- Three men were arrested in the act on January 22 in a Fuenlabrada shopping‑center car park as they tried to steal a woman's bag using the “siembra” ruse.
- Police say the group is dismantled and attribute to it nine vehicle robberies, four frauds and additional offenses including membership of a criminal group and document falsification.
- The modus operandi involved one member distracting victims by dropping coins, a second removing bags from the passenger seat and a third waiting in a getaway car.
- Stolen wallets, cards and phones were used to access bank accounts, make ATM withdrawals and complete purchases across southern Madrid, causing losses estimated at €40,000–€44,000.
- Investigators report the suspects worked in rotating trios, used rented cars with false documentation and face coverings to avoid identification, and are being examined for links to other similar incidents.