A large-scale bicycle theft operation, active for years across Bern Canton and Basel, has been uncovered by authorities. The investigation led to a 139-page indictment against three men, revealing a sophisticated business model for stolen bikes.
Key Takeaways
- Three men faced charges for hundreds of bicycle thefts.
- The operation spanned Bern Canton and Basel over several years.
- Stolen bikes were quickly resold on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
- A mobile phone analysis was central to uncovering the full extent of the crimes.
- The alleged mastermind faces a request for a 78-month prison sentence.
Years of Thefts Uncovered
The Regional Court Bern-Oberland recently heard details of a long-running theft series. Prosecutors outlined how three young men allegedly stole hundreds of bicycles. The case, identified as "O 20 8393," was heard in December at the Selveareal in Thun.
The accused are Florian K., 30, Loris H., 30, and Tiago S., 29. Their names have been changed for privacy and due to the presumption of innocence. The investigation began to reveal the true scale of the operation when law enforcement analyzed a mobile phone.
Key Statistic
The indictment against the three men spans 139 pages, detailing hundreds of alleged thefts.
Operation "Guerra" and Digital Evidence
The initial lead in this extensive investigation emerged in August 2020. Florian K. came under police scrutiny after being caught riding a bicycle reported as stolen. He was initially released but remained a person of interest to law enforcement.
By late 2022, investigators concluded that Florian K. was again involved in selling potentially stolen bicycles. This led to a major police operation named "Guerra," which translates to "war" in English. The name was chosen in reference to the main defendant.
The core of the investigation involved a detailed analysis of Florian K.'s mobile phone. During the second day of the trial, the public prosecutor explained how images of bicycles found on the phone were cross-referenced with theft reports. This digital evidence proved crucial.
"Hundreds of pictures of bicycles, taken at various locations, advertised on online platforms like Facebook, and quickly resold at lower prices," the public prosecutor stated, describing the digital trail.
Targeting High-Value Bicycles
According to the prosecution, the defendants specifically targeted high-quality, branded bicycles. These bikes could be quickly resold, indicating a clear business strategy. The methods used were consistently similar across many incidents.
A bicycle would be photographed, then stolen, and subsequently offered for sale on online platforms, primarily Facebook Marketplace. This streamlined process allowed for rapid turnover of stolen goods.
Background
The thefts occurred throughout Bern Canton and extended into Basel. This wide geographical spread suggests a well-organized network rather than isolated incidents.
Roles Within the Operation
Florian K. faces charges for 357 individual thefts, a significantly higher number than his co-defendants. The public prosecutor described him as the mastermind behind the operation, indicating a clear division of labor among the group.
The men often operated in pairs or as a trio, adapting their approach based on the circumstances. This collaborative effort allowed them to carry out numerous thefts over a prolonged period.
Prosecution Seeks Stiff Sentences
The public prosecutor requested substantial sentences for all three defendants. For Florian K., the focus was not solely on the bicycle thefts but also on a separate, violent attempted robbery charge, which was considered the most severe offense.
The prosecution sought an unconditional prison sentence of 78 months for Florian K. Additionally, a fine of 50 daily rates at 30 francs each, along with a 1,000-franc penalty, was requested. The prosecution also called for Florian K.'s expulsion to Germany, despite his having lived in Switzerland since he was 12 years old. He stated he had no objections to this.
For Tiago S. and Loris H., the prosecution requested 30-month prison sentences, along with fines of ten daily rates at 30 francs. Tiago S. also faces an additional 300-franc fine. Loris H.'s previous offenses were considered aggravating factors in his sentencing request.
Pornography Allegation
During the investigation, a Viber chat on Florian K.'s mobile phone was found to contain seven videos and seven images of prohibited pornography. However, the public prosecutor did not request a lifelong ban on activities involving young people, citing legal provisions for waiving such a ban in less severe cases.
Defense Arguments
Florian K.'s defense painted a different picture, highlighting his cocaine use and a loss of perspective after initial conflicts with the justice system. His lawyer argued that the thefts continued primarily to secure money for daily living expenses.
Legally, the defense challenged the valuation of the stolen goods. While Florian K. admitted to stealing over 300 bicycles, he denied responsibility for high-priced e-bikes. His lawyer also argued that the methods used were not comparable to more sophisticated burglaries.
Florian K.'s lawyer stated, "It was not a break-in at the Louvre. They broke chains with bolt cutters, advertised on Facebook Marketplace, and that was it."
The defense for Tiago S. questioned whether the thefts attributed to his client constituted commercial-scale activity. His lawyer also raised concerns about procedural errors related to a defamation charge, requesting a partially suspended sentence of 26 months, with six months to be served unconditionally, and a 60-franc fine.
Loris H.'s defense attorney sought an acquittal on the commercial and gang-related theft charges. She argued that the indictment lacked sufficient detail regarding her client's specific actions. Additionally, she pointed to contradictory and inadequately substantiated statements from the co-defendants, requesting partial acquittals.