Dozens of Bulgarian women are at the center of a scandal in Madrid after civic patrols began filming them stealing on the streets and subway of the Spanish capital. The volunteer organization "Patrula Madrid" documented their crimes and published their photos and names on Instagram, revealing a well-organized criminal network that is causing serious damage to Bulgaria's image, writes Nova TV.
For two years now, a group of citizens under the name "Patrula Madrid" has been chasing and filming pickpockets on the move day and night on the narrow streets of the old city. "We are ordinary citizens from all walks of life - restaurant owners, bar owners, amateur tour guides, pensioners", explains one of the patrol members. Although there are Romanians and Bosnians among the detainees, according to them, the largest and most organized group is precisely the Bulgarian women.
Pyramid structure linked to serious crime
The volunteers describe the network as "a huge Bulgarian movement that is very, very well organized". According to them, it is a pyramid structure, the top of which is connected to another type of criminal organization involved in car trafficking, drugs and money laundering. "We have identified more than 150 women here who are from the same gang", claims another member of the patrol. "I don't know if I can say this, but they are Roma families from Bulgaria. For me, they are from Bulgaria. There are Roma in Spain too, and they are Spanish".
During its two-year activity, the patrol has built a clear profile of the perpetrators. "The majority are 25, 30, maximum 40 years old." They are usually very serious. They never smile. At least two women walk together and don't even talk to each other," they explain. They are also recognized by the specific way they dress and wear sunglasses.
Over time, Bulgarian women have become increasingly creative in their methods. Their victims are mainly elderly people and tourists from East Asia who carry more cash. "They usually go to very crowded places. For example, Bulgarian pickpockets go on buses during rush hour," says a member of the patrol. Their classic method is to cover their hand with a piece of clothing while they pull wallets out of bags or pockets.