A festival marked by crime
On May 1st, the Fairgrounds of Torrejón de Ardoz became the scene of a significant police operation that resulted in the arrest of 22 individuals. This musical event, which attracted over 40,000 attendees, served as the backdrop for a series of crimes that prompted authorities to act swiftly and decisively.
More than 150 agents from the National Police were mobilised to ensure safety during the festival, which lasted for 12 hours. The strategy included rigorous checks at the entrances and exits of the venue, as well as constant surveillance over an area covering more than 70,000 square metres.
Despite the heavy police presence, a specialised criminal group managed to infiltrate among the attendees. The criminals employed aggressive tactics, such as spraying their victims with pepper spray to disorient them before snatching jewellery and personal belongings using the tug method. In total, 60 mobile phones, 25 wallets, and a stolen vehicle that had been parked in the VIP area of the festival were recovered.
The detainees are charged with various offences, including robbery with violence and theft, as well as public health violations. Authorities have emphasised the importance of such operations not only to recover stolen items but also to deter future criminal acts at large events.
Once the operation concluded, the arrested individuals were brought before a judge. The recovery of the vehicle stolen days earlier in Málaga is another indication of the national reach of these criminal gangs specialised in festivals.





