The criminal group allegedly used physical violence against vulnerable elderly people, many of whom had mobility difficulties. The stolen jewellery is valued at €33,000.
11 June 2026 – The Guardia Civil has dismantled an itinerant criminal group allegedly specialising in thefts and robberies using the so-called “affectionate hug” method. Four people have been arrested in connection with eight robberies and 13 thefts of jewellery valued at €33,000.
According to investigators, the suspects targeted elderly and particularly vulnerable people, including victims with mobility problems. In several cases, they allegedly used physical violence to complete the robberies.
The investigation began after officers detected an increase in reports of property crimes against elderly people and people with disabilities in towns across the Antequera area.
The incidents followed a similar pattern. A young woman would approach the victim, either pretending to warn them about a stain on their clothing or claiming to recognise them after not seeing them for a long time. She would then embrace the victim and use the opportunity to steal any jewellery they were wearing.
In many cases, the suspects allegedly resorted to violence when victims tried to prevent the robbery. In one incident in Almargen, Málaga, a woman who used a walker was attacked while the suspects attempted to steal a gold chain. When she tried to resist, within her physical limitations, she was grabbed by the neck and thrown to the ground, suffering serious injuries including bone fractures.
The Guardia Civil identified four alleged members of the criminal group and arrested them in Villanueva del Trabuco, Málaga, and Loja, Granada. They are being investigated for alleged membership of a criminal group, property crimes, road safety offences and assault causing injury.
In total, the group is believed to have committed eight robberies and 13 thefts in several towns in Málaga province, as well as ten further alleged offences in towns in Valencia, Alicante and Murcia.
The investigation was carried out under the “Plan Mayor”, an initiative by Spain’s Secretary of State for Security aimed at preventing crime against older people and improving their safety. The operation was conducted by officers from the Guardia Civil company in Antequera.
The detainees have been brought before a judge, who ordered all four to be remanded in custody.
