Table of Contents
- The Theft Scandal
- Arrests and Recovery
- Involvement of Airport Workers
- Victims and Reactions
- Investigation Details
- Previous Scandals
- Advice for Passengers
Tourists traveling to a popular vacation destination have been shaken by a disturbing airport theft scandal.
Spanish authorities busted a significant suitcase theft ring at South Airport during a dramatic raid this week.
The stolen items were reportedly taken from passengers' suitcases by airport personnel, according to police.
Thieves allegedly searched through luggage to find high-value items.
Authorities reported that they have apprehended 30 individuals in connection with a massive theft that has affected hundreds of travelers, including British holidaymakers.
They also recovered tens of thousands of pounds worth of stolen goods from a jeweler's shop on the island.
The gang targeted passenger luggage while it was being loaded or unloaded from planes on the Tenerife South runway.
Detectives believe the operation was orchestrated by airport workers.
These workers would either rummage through the luggage or steal it entirely while searching for valuable items, which were then sold on the black market.
Security sources informed Canarian Weekly that the gang was particularly interested in high-value items such as watches, smartphones, and various electronic devices.
The Civil Guard believes it has successfully dismantled the operation, though additional arrests may still occur.
A warning has been issued to holidaymakers to keep their valuables with them instead of storing them in checked luggage.
A frequent visitor to Tenerife expressed: “We are in shock.
“We are aware that organized crime exists on the island and that suitcase thefts have occurred at the airport, but the scale of this operation is quite alarming.
“This isn’t simply opportunistic theft. This is a highly organized criminal enterprise.”
The Fiscal and Border Service initiated the investigation following a surge of complaints regarding missing valuables.
The crackdown began early Tuesday when Guardia Civil agents conducted coordinated searches throughout various sections of the terminal.
Subsequently, detectives raided a jewelry store in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, spending three hours examining inventory on Calle Juan Bethencourt Alfonso — also known as Calle San José — to identify potential stolen items.
The case is being overseen by the Court in Granadilla de Abona, which has imposed confidentiality orders to protect the details of the investigation and to ensure the complete structure of the gang is revealed.
Authorities stormed a jewelry store in Tenerife and inspected its inventory for stolen goods.
Tenerife Civil Guard spokesperson Inma Gonzalez stated: “The Civil Guard has arrested 30 individuals connected to numerous thefts from travelers' suitcases at Tenerife South Airport.
“This operation originated from an extensive analysis of evidence collected during a previous operation at the end of 2023.
“An additional 21 individuals are currently under investigation, bringing the total number of those accused to 51 for various offenses, including membership in a criminal organization, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal damage, and money laundering.
“Officers conducted an inspection of a jewelry store in Santa Cruz de Tenerife yesterday where some of the accused allegedly sold valuables stolen from travelers’ luggage.
“Items valued at over £52,000 were confiscated.
Police recovered tens of thousands of pounds worth of jewelry from a shop in Tenerife.
