A major copper theft ring dismantled across southern Spain
A criminal network focused on stealing large quantities of copper wire, with seizures totaling more than three tons, was dispersed after a nationwide operation led by the Civil Guard. The sweep resulted in 23 arrests, 13 of whom remained in custody at the time of reporting. The operation spanned Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla La Mancha, illustrating a coordinated effort by law enforcement to disrupt a well-organized group that specialized in copper theft and related offenses.
In parallel developments, authorities, under the leadership of the head of the Archidona (Malaga) Court of First Instance and Education, reported seizures in Seville as well as in Guillena and Camas. The confiscations included approximately 3.2 tons of copper, 70,865 euros in cash, and jewelry valued at around 109,000 euros. These findings underscored the scale of criminal activity tied to the copper theft network and its liquidity through stolen metals and valuables.
Investigators are compiling a full reckoning of the total losses to date. The investigation has catalogued 103 robbery offenses tied to about 1.3 million euros in committed value, with roughly half of that amount linked to damages from the robberies themselves.
The inquiry began earlier in the year as a wave of robberies spread through several provinces, including Cadiz, Malaga, Seville, and Jaen. Investigators traced repeated thefts at energy generation facilities and other industrial sites that rely on substantial copper cabling to operate. The pattern suggested a group with specialized expertise and the capacity to travel across regions to target high-value assets.
Law enforcement noted that the damages inflicted by these robberies often caused interruptions in clean energy production and, in some cases, the removal of copper materials, leaving towns without electricity for days. The organization appeared to operate with a clear hierarchy in Seville and nearby areas, comprised of multiple clans with ties to Eastern European groups. A separate faction managed a junkyard where stolen goods were purchased, creating a profitable loop that funded ongoing operations.
Within the network, at least one robbery occurred weekly. As darkness fell, participants used shuttle vehicles to move stolen material, delivering it by van to evade potential police checks. The group reportedly traveled extensive distances—over 700 kilometers in some cases—to target the same companies repeatedly, leveraging prior knowledge of security measures, access routes, and escape plans.
One notable incident saw a patrol from the Civil Guard disrupt a theft at a photovoltaic plant in Villacarrillo, Jaén, forcing the criminals to abandon the loot and flee. After the robberies, members tasked with receiving stolen material routed copper to a legitimate market through a metal recovery business located in Guillena, Seville. The operation paid more than double the purchase price for the stolen copper, illustrating a systematic approach to profit through illicit recycling channels.
Many detainees carried extensive criminal histories, with more than 90 prior offenses for similar acts and a habit of changing residences or even identities to avoid capture. The investigation has drawn attention at the international level, with prosecutors seeking European arrest warrants to pursue suspects across Spain, France, and Portugal.
Authorities accuse several individuals of crimes including extortion by force, coercion, money laundering, belonging to a criminal organization, falsification of documents, misrepresentation of marital status, possession and use of illegal weapons, and other related offenses tied to the broader network. The ongoing case reflects a coordinated response by regional and international authorities to dismantle a sophisticated ring that depended on timing, secrecy, and cross-border mobility to sustain its operations. [Citation: Civil Guard press releases and court records]