The Mossos d'Esquadra identify a thousand 'gang members' from 34 violent youth gangs in Catalonia

The Mossos d'Esquadra have identified around 1,000 members of violent youth gangs in Catalonia, particularly in Barcelona. The police are investigating three homicides linked to these gangs from 2025 to 2026. Of the 34 detected groups, 80% of incidents are attributed to the seven most active gangs. Access to weapons has increased, raising concerns about the severity of crimes. The police have launched the Pla Proa to prevent new gangs and control existing ones. Currently, there are about 400 to 500 active members, with many being very young. The gangs primarily use violence for recruitment and commit various crimes, with a focus on territorial identity rather than nationality.