The National Police arrested two men on Monday morning at terminal T-4 of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport after stealing a backpack from reggaeton singer Zion, 41, containing cash and luxury items valued at nearly $2.5 million.
The robbery took place around 8 a.m. when the artist with over six million followers was at one of the international terminal cafeterias waiting to board an international flight. In a moment of carelessness, two individuals discreetly approached, snatched the backpack, and quickly left the area.
However, the incident was witnessed by two plainclothes officers from the National Police's Judicial Police team who were conducting preventive patrols inside the terminal. The officers noticed the maneuver and followed the suspects without losing sight of them until they eventually stopped them and proceeded with their arrest.
At the time of the arrest, the officers recovered the backpack with all the stolen items. Inside, there was a significant amount of cash, an iPhone, and several high-end watches, including two Rolexes and two Patek Philippes, along with other valuable personal items.
The arrested individuals are a 31-year-old Algerian citizen and a 29-year-old Moroccan, both with numerous police records for similar crimes committed in the airport vicinity. According to investigative sources, they are specialized criminals in distraction thefts, known in police jargon as pickpockets, who take advantage of victims' moments of inattention in crowded places.
Following the police intervention, the officers returned all the recovered items to the singer, who later went to a police station to file the corresponding report. The swift action of the police prevented the robbery and the loot from leaving the airport.
The National Police emphasize the importance of discreet surveillance in high-traffic areas like Barajas airport, especially during peak periods, and remind travelers of the need to exercise caution with their personal belongings.