BARCELONA, Spain – A disturbing video of a violent robbery targeting a tourist in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella neighborhood has gone viral, reigniting a heated debate on social media about safety and the persistent problem of tourist robberies in the city. The footage shows two Moroccan men who appear to be holding a tourist by the neck while searching his pockets in the middle of the street.
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The incident, which occurred in the historic Ciutat Vella district, has drawn widespread condemnation due to the level of violence involved. One suspect is seen restraining the tourist in a chokehold while the other goes through his pockets. The technique used, known locally as the “mataleón,” can restrict movement and cause loss of consciousness. The video has also raised questions about the lack of immediate intervention from bystanders who witnessed the attack.
The viral video has fueled growing public concern over street crime in Barcelona, a city that attracts millions of tourists annually. This is not an isolated incident; social media has seen a surge in similar clips showing robberies and thefts across the city.
One video showed a man on a scooter attempting to snatch a gold chain from a pedestrian who was recording himself, leading to a brief struggle. Another widely shared clip captured a young man intervening to stop a thief from stealing a tourist’s phone. When confronted, the robber pulled out a knife and attempted to stab the Good Samaritan.
Tourists have taken to social media to share their experiences. A pair of British holidaymakers reported being robbed within an hour of arriving, with one having a chain snatched from his neck. An American woman recounted seeing a theft in a bar, saying she felt “unsafe” in the city. Even a restaurant interview by a Spanish television crew accidentally captured a thief stealing a phone from a table on camera.
The public’s sense of insecurity starkly contrasts with official crime statistics. Authorities in Barcelona maintain that crime is actually decreasing, though they acknowledge that the “emotional gap” between perception and data remains a challenge.
According to local government data, in the Ciutat Vella district – historically the most problematic for crime – offenses fell by 13.3% between October 2024 and September 2025, dropping from 44,430 to 38,513 cases. The resolution rate for cases has also improved to 46.7%, and the number of expulsions of individuals with multiple prior offenses has increased by 48%. Nonetheless, less than half of reported crimes are solved.
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The incident has also become a political flashpoint, with some observers suggesting the government might be downplaying the problem. The case has added to pressure on authorities to close the gap between statistics and public perception. While the debate continues, the viral videos serve as a stark reminder to visitors to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to secure their belongings.
