Law enforcement officials on the Spanish island of Ibiza have apprehended a group of burglars suspected of employing sedative gas to target luxury villas. This development comes in the wake of a series of high-profile thefts, including an incident involving Nick Grimshaw, the former BBC Radio 1 presenter.
Approximately one year ago, Grimshaw had rented a villa on the island to commemorate his 40th birthday with family members. The property was subsequently raided during the night while the occupants were asleep. While it remains unclear whether gas was used in this specific case, Spanish detectives have now suggested for the first time that knockout gas could have been employed by the criminals.
The gang's modus operandi reportedly involved:
- Pumping sedative gas into luxury properties
- Entering the premises wearing hazmat suits
- Conducting raids while occupants were incapacitated
Police have linked the group to a minimum of 22 raids carried out since 2019, with the total value of stolen items exceeding €548,500 (approximately £462,000).
Ibiza, part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and electronic dance music scene. With a population of around 147,000, the island's economy heavily relies on tourism. Its status as a luxury destination, with numerous high-end villas and resorts, likely made it an attractive target for the criminal group.
The Civil Guard has released footage showing the masked suspects at work. Three individuals accused of the burglaries have been apprehended, including two men and one woman. Following their court appearance, two of the suspects have been remanded in custody.
During the investigation, detectives were able to track down the homes of the suspects by locating stolen vehicles used in the crimes. A subsequent property search yielded various objects related to the reported robberies, including:
- Designer watches
- Sunglasses
- Designer bags
- Mobile phones
- Cash
Additionally, clothing used by the suspects during the crimes was seized.
"Many of the victims told police they felt dazed when they woke up, as well as feeling discomfort with dizziness and vomiting, leading detectives to suspect the criminals were using some sort of gas that caused sleepiness."
It's worth noting that Ibiza has a rich history dating back to 654 BC when Phoenician settlers first inhabited the island. In 1999, UNESCO declared Ibiza a World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and natural significance. The island's unique ecosystem, beautiful beaches, and traditional whitewashed houses have long made it a popular destination for tourists and celebrities alike.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine if the apprehended gang was responsible for the raid on Grimshaw's rented villa and if other high-profile individuals may have been targeted. The use of sedative gas in these crimes adds a concerning dimension to the security challenges faced by luxury property owners and renters on the island.