Two Georgian Men Remanded in Andorra for Chalet Break-In

Police in Andorra have remanded in custody two Georgian men, aged 27 and 32, arrested early Monday during a break-in at a chalet between Ciutat de Valls and Avinguda Santa Coloma in Andorra la Vella. Authorities transferred the case file to the Batllia on Monday afternoon, with the suspects appearing before judicial officials Tuesday morning before being sent to the penitentiary centre on provisional detention shortly before 7pm that evening.

A private security guard alerted police after the entry door alarm activated. Patrols arrived quickly and found the pair hiding inside the property, which has stood largely unoccupied for nearly two decades despite basic security measures. Officers believe the men scaled the surrounding wall, broke a glass panel in the main door using an axe found nearby, and rummaged through wardrobes and a chest of drawers for valuables. One suspect carried a balaclava and several apparently stolen items in his jacket. Construction workers with initial residence and work permits linked to Pas de la Casa and Sant Julià de Lòria, the men—long-term Andorran residents of Georgian origin had helped them find jobs—had not renewed their permits after less than a year in the Principality. They offered few details during questioning, appearing intoxicated by alcohol, and hold no prior record in Andorra.

The case remains the only confirmed link to a series of six break-ins reported since May 1 across Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Encamp, and Vila. Methods varied widely: crude forced entries like Monday's, quiet intrusions, and targeted safe removals, with most appearing isolated rather than organised. Only one prior incident has reached full resolution. Property crime specialists continue probing potential ties to the detained pair, noting distinct patterns across at least three styles among the six cases. No connections have been established.

Saturday's burglary in an Escàs residential development remains under separate investigation. Owners returned from a brief absence to find the front door forced and a safe containing jewellery—minimum value €6,000—stolen. The single-family home showed disturbance, but no other properties in the 11-unit complex were targeted, pointing to a precise operation possibly based on prior knowledge of the safe. Experts attended the scene Saturday afternoon after initial patrols to gather evidence. The insurance claim is expected to surpass the initial estimate.

All inquiries continue.