A luxury watch valued at more than €450,000 was recovered at Ibiza Airport during a major police operation targeting groups suspected of carrying out violent robberies of high-end watches in tourist destinations across Spain.

The operation, conducted by Spain’s Policía Nacional in collaboration with Italy’s Polizia di Stato, resulted in 34 arrests and the clarification of 28 violent robberies attributed to eight identified criminal groups. Ibiza and the Costa del Sol were the principal areas targeted during the summer operation.

According to the police account, officers intercepted several alleged members of one group in the airport’s express car park as they were preparing to board a flight to their country of origin. The valuable watch was reportedly concealed among the belongings of one of the women in the group.

Police Investigate Violent Watch Robberies Across Ibiza and the Costa del Sol

The operation was established in January, when the Policía Nacional created a dedicated coordination group to address organised thefts of high-value watches in Spain and internationally.

Investigators focused on Ibiza and the Costa del Sol, particularly Marbella and Estepona, while also monitoring connections and logistical bases in Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca and Dénia.

According to police, the groups frequently travelled to tourist destinations for short periods, sometimes presenting themselves as visitors before leaving shortly after the alleged offences.

Investigators describe a division of roles within some groups. People acting as lookouts allegedly identified potential victims in seafront promenades, marinas, nightlife venues and car parks. Others carried out the thefts, while motorcyclists helped with the approach and escape. Rental cars were reportedly used for logistical support and to transport stolen property.

Police also reported the use of false documents, altered number plates and disguises. Some groups allegedly used intense physical violence, including chokeholds and blows with motorcycle helmets.

Other High-Value Watch Cases in Ibiza

The airport interception was one of several significant actions linked to the investigation.

In another incident in Ibiza, police arrested a group outside a nightclub after an alleged theft involving a watch valued at €50,000.

Officers also located two people on the island who were wanted in connection with the violent theft of a watch worth €155,000 in Madrid.

In the Costa del Sol, investigators focused on an incident in Marbella in late July in which four alleged perpetrators attacked a tourist outside their home and stole a watch. Police later located and arrested suspects in Estepona, where a search reportedly led to the recovery of the stolen watch and clothing allegedly worn during the attack.

Thirty-Four Arrests and Six Watches Recovered

The overall operation resulted in 34 arrests and the clarification of 28 violent robberies attributed to eight identified groups.

Police recovered six luxury watches, with individual valuations ranging from €20,000 to more than €450,000. One of the recovered watches has been returned to its owner.

Officers also seized five vehicles, comprising one car and four motorcycles, as well as 14 fraudulent number plates, four false identity documents or driving licences, a frequency jammer and several mobile phones.

During the second half of August, as the high season approached its end, preventive checks and surveillance at ports and airports led to the arrest of another 20 people before they could leave the islands, according to the police account.

Investigation Remains Open

The 34 people arrested have been brought before the judicial authorities. Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.

The operation highlights the security challenges associated with violent thefts targeting luxury watches in high-end tourist destinations. Authorities have emphasised that such offences can cause not only significant financial losses but also serious physical harm to victims.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against those arrested must be distinguished from any findings that may subsequently be made by the courts.