Joint operation takes out fake police in Madrid

IN an operation undertaken jointly between the Guardia Civil and National Police, a group of eight criminals have been arrested in Madrid who allegedly passed themselves off as fake police officers and stole money and valuables from tourists.

According to a statement issued by the Guardia Civil, the eight men who are said to be from Iran and Pakistan are accused of committing at least 21 robberies on visitors who were driving to or from the city to the airport in hired cars.

The group used fake insignia on their cars and after forcing drivers to stop, produced fake identification and said that they were checking for drugs and counterfeit bank notes. As soon as they searched the vehicles and discovered anything of value, they rushed off, leaving the tourists angry but bemused.

After undertaking raids on a number of properties, the combined force of officers confiscated six vehicles and seized more than €1,000 in cash as well as jewellery, cell phones and false identification.