The Guardia Civil has detained a former employee of the company who is identified as the person responsible for the break-in at Cepa 21 winery in the early hours of February 18. Investigators report that the intruder entered the facilities and spilled three tanks containing wine on the floor. The highly valued high-end wines from this brand, valued at more than two and a half million euros in total, were affected by the incident. (Source: Guardia Civil)
The burglary, captured by the winery’s security cameras, occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on a Sunday. The suspect, a woman, allegedly gained access to the winery located in Castrillo de Duero, Valladolid, and emptied three tanks from the Horcajo and Malabrigo ranges. Sales for these brands had increased by about 15 percent in the last year. (Source: Guardia Civil)
From the outset, the Valladolid Civil Guard began the investigation with the working hypothesis that the perpetrator would be a woman who had substantial knowledge of the facilities and was familiar with the machinery used in the wine production process. (Source: Guardia Civil)
Consequently, the main investigative line posited that the individual was a worker or former worker of the company. (Source: Guardia Civil)
After analysis and the evidence gathered, investigators concluded that the person responsible had previously worked for Cepa 21. In fact, the contract had expired two days before the incident, although notice of the dismissal had been given fifteen days earlier. Authorities believe this timing could have been crucial to the planning of the act committed. (Source: Guardia Civil)
The government’s deputy delegate in Valladolid, Jacinto Canales, explained that the investigation remains open and that further arrests are not ruled out. The woman is being questioned by authorities. (Source: Guardia Civil)
The inquiry seeks to determine how the woman was able to access the winery given the security measures in place. While the suspect’s romantic partner was initially investigated due to potential involvement, that person was released on the day of the arrest. (Source: Guardia Civil)
Officials emphasized that nothing at the winery appeared to be missing, leading investigators to discount the possibility of a simple robbery. (Source: Guardia Civil)
Cepa 21 stands out as a flagship project of José Moro, combining winemaking, enotourism, and gastronomy into a single, celebrated venture. (Source: Guardia Civil)