The Spanish National Police have recovered 22 stolen cars, ranging from mid-range to high-end models, during a special operation in Algeciras carried out during Operation Marhaba. The vehicles were bound for Morocco through attempted smuggling. Eleven people were arrested on suspicion of belonging to criminal networks specializing in car theft and document forgery. Police said heightened surveillance in the city and at the maritime crossing helped intercept several smuggling attempts, including nine cars destined for criminal groups planning to redistribute them in African countries. Investigations revealed that these networks used forged documents and falsified ownership transfers to hide the vehicles' rightful owners, with car rental companies being a primary target. Authorities also noted a rise in the use of stolen vehicles by drug trafficking gangs, particularly small trucks and powerful four-wheel-drive vehicles.
