Schengen Cooperation Recovers Stolen Luxury Watch in Finland
A high-end timepiece stolen in Spain was traced to Helsinki through Schengen police collaboration and returned to its owner.
published at: 26. Mai 2025
Schengen Police Cooperation Recovers Stolen Luxury Watch
A high-end watch valued at €30,000, stolen in Spain in 2023, has been recovered in Helsinki through Schengen Area police cooperation and returned to its owner.
Violent Robbery in Fuenterrabía
The incident occurred in April 2023 when an elderly couple was assaulted outside their home in Fuenterrabía, Spain. A woman approached them under the pretense of asking for lodging information before violently snatching the man's luxury watch and fleeing in a vehicle.
International Investigation
Spanish police identified the suspect, a woman with multiple prior offenses, but couldn't locate her. Due to the watch's unique characteristics, an international alert was issued through Schengen cooperation channels.
Recovery in Finland
The watch was recently discovered in Helsinki when someone brought it in for repairs. Finnish police seized the timepiece and coordinated with Spanish authorities through:
- The Schengen Information System (SIS)
- International police cooperation units
- Spain's SIRENE Bureau
Successful Return
The watch was returned to its owner on Saturday, who expressed gratitude not just for its monetary value but for its sentimental significance as a family gift.
This case highlights the effectiveness of Schengen Area police collaboration in tracking and recovering stolen property across borders.