Spain, Georgia arrest 13 in international burglary network operation

Spanish authorities have arrested 13 people as part of an international police operation, codenamed “CACHABA,” targeting an organised group suspected of involvement in a series of residential burglaries across the country.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Georgian police attaché and followed approximately one year of joint investigative work between law enforcement agencies in Spain and Georgia, Caliber.Az reports per a statement by Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs on Facebook.

Investigators believe the suspects may be linked to at least 27 burglaries in various regions of Spain. Authorities say the criminal network was structured in two parts: a group of individuals of Georgian origin allegedly carried out the break-ins, while a separate Spanish group is suspected of handling and selling the stolen goods.

Simultaneous arrests were conducted in Madrid, Valencia, Guadalajara and Alicante, as well as several other towns and cities, covering a total of nine addresses.

The case is being investigated under multiple provisions of the Spanish Criminal Code, which carry penalties of up to eight years in prison.

By Sabina Mammadli