Spain Police Bust Crypto-Robbery Ring Tied to Tren de Aragua Gang

Spain’s National Police have dismantled a violent criminal ring linked to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, arresting six individuals on Thursday. The group allegedly targeted wealthy people for their cryptocurrency, jewels, and cash.

The investigation began in August 2025 after a house theft in Madrid where the suspects stole €1.5 million in jewels and watches, along with €1.3 million in cryptocurrency. Police say the gang studied its victims first, often high-profile individuals, and lured them to vacation apartments under false pretenses.

Victims were tied up, gagged, and held at gunpoint in some cases. The suspects used threats and physical violence to force them to hand over crypto and fiat money. In one incident, a victim who resisted had a gun fired nearby, endangering their life.

How the Gang Operated

Agents reported that the group carefully selected targets and put them under surveillance before striking. They then coerced the victims into meeting at rented apartments, where the robberies took place. The police have connected several of the arrested individuals to similar thefts.

The charges include membership in a criminal organization, violent robbery, unlawful detention, fraud, and crimes against public health. Three of the six suspects have already been ordered to remain in prison.

Tren de Aragua and Cryptocurrency

Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, has increasingly used cryptocurrency for theft and money laundering. The U.S. Department of State labeled it a Foreign Terrorist Organization in February 2025. The Office of Foreign Assets Control had also sanctioned the group in 2024 for laundering funds through crypto.

In a related development, Chilean authorities dismantled a subgroup called “Tren del Mar” in July, which had laundered over $13.5 million. That group reportedly took cues from cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel.

The Spanish police action marks a significant step in disrupting the gang’s operations in Europe. It remains unclear if more arrests are expected.

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