The Spanish National Police recovered 15 stolen cars hidden inside containers at the Algeciras port. Most of these vehicles, originating from France, Germany, and Italy, were intercepted before being shipped across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. According to Spanish media, the thieves employed a technique known as «triangulation». This method involves fraudulently obtaining ownership documents for rental cars, essentially hiding the true owner's identity through a series of fake transactions. The ultimate aim is to export the stolen vehicles to Africa for black-market resale. «The swift response of European cooperation mechanisms was crucial», a source said, «as many rightful owners remain unaware of their vehicles' stolen status». The operation also led to the seizure of a single high-value car (estimated market price: €300,000) that the criminal network planned to export outside Europe. Thirteen individuals were arrested and convicted for receiving stolen goods and falsifying documents. These charges stemmed from the modification of vehicle identification numbers and accompanying paperwork.
