Investigative report uncovers cross-border computer theft ring between Spain and Morocco

A Spanish investigative report by the platform El Caso has exposed a criminal network responsible for stealing hundreds of computers from public schools in Catalonia and trafficking them to Morocco, where they were resold at heavily discounted prices—sometimes for half their original value.

The investigation revealed that over 500 laptops were stolen from public institutes in the municipality of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, located in the province of Barcelona.

Many of the stolen devices, still bearing official markings from the Catalonian regional government, were later found being sold in Moroccan electronics shops.

According to the report, the smuggled devices were likely transported in large bags across southern Spain before being ferried by sea to Morocco. Once in the country, the computers were distributed among individuals involved in the resale of electronic good, often via social media platforms, without any attempt to remove official stickers or serial numbers, suggesting complicity between sellers and buyers.

Spanish authorities launched an investigation after at least four educational institutions in the area reported thefts totaling approximately 400 laptops. However, progress has been slow, with no significant breakthroughs to date.

Investigators were able to use specialized geolocation software to track some of the devices to various locations across Morocco, including small-town electronics stores. This technological evidence points to a well-organized smuggling network that has profited significantly from the illicit trade, while causing substantial financial losses for Catalonia’s education system.

The investigation also underscored the need for stronger international cooperation to combat such transnational criminal activity. In one related case cited by El Caso, a Spanish woman who had her mobile phone stolen in Barcelona was able to recover it after Moroccan authorities, alerted through location-tracking technology, found it being sold in a local shop.

The case has renewed calls for tighter border controls, enhanced digital tracking, and more robust bilateral coordination between European and North African law enforcement agencies to stem the flow of stolen goods and prosecute offenders.