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A violent gang that used machetes and fake assault rifles to rob supermarkets across Malaga province has been dismantled by the Guardia Civil.

 

The three suspects, aged between 22 and 51, were arrested after officers surprised them during a robbery at a supermarket in Coín. All have been remanded in custody by order of the Court of First Instance in Coín.

 

The investigation, known as Operation Guamparas, began in early June following a supermarket robbery in the same town. Over several weeks, detectives uncovered how the group carefully studied and monitored potential targets before striking. They chose to carry out the robberies during opening hours, close to closing time, when the daily takings would be at their highest.

 

Their method was always the same. Two members would enter the store wearing balaclavas and armed with large machetes and realistic-looking firearms. Using both threats and physical intimidation, they forced staff to hand over cash from the tills while customers looked on in fear. Outside, a third member waited in a getaway vehicle fitted with false licence plates to ensure a quick escape.

 

Once the Guardia Civil identified the group’s tactics, they set up a surveillance operation. This led to the arrests in Coín, where the suspects were caught red-handed mid-robbery.

 

The men are accused of four counts of robbery with violence and intimidation, two thefts, falsifying documents and belonging to a criminal organisation.

 

During a search of the gang’s home in Cártama, officers seized weapons and other items believed to have been used in several robberies committed in June and July. The investigation involved officers from different units of the Guardia Civil’s Coín company.

 

According to the authorities, the gang showed no hesitation in using violence to get what they wanted. One officer involved said their quick arrest was down to “careful planning and coordination” between units.

 

 

 

Image: Guardia Civil