The Civil Guard has carried out an operation in Seville that has resulted in the arrest of four people and the investigation of three others for their participation in a criminal group dedicated to the theft of copper wiring and electrical material at photovoltaic plants.
Details of the investigation
During the course of the investigation, several crimes related to the theft of 111,266 meters of solar wiring and 2,410 meters of bare copper cable have been clarified. Additionally, the agents have managed to recover various batches of stolen material, including two tons of copper and 250 kilograms of tinned solar cable.
The economic damage caused by these thefts is estimated at over 303,000 euros, affecting the development and operation of strategic infrastructures for renewable energy generation.
Operation and results obtained
The operation was initiated after receiving multiple reports from companies responsible for photovoltaic installations, which alerted about repeated thefts and significant damage to their infrastructures. The Civil Guard conducted inspections at several metal waste management centres and operational surveillance.
During one of these operations, the agents intercepted several suspects while they were attempting to sell the two tons of copper. This allowed for the recovery of a considerable portion of the stolen material, thus reducing the economic impact of their criminal actions.
The suspects committed the thefts during nighttime hours, accessing the facilities after breaking the enclosures and disabling their security systems. Once inside, they cut large amounts of wiring and disposed of the plastic coverings to enhance the value of the copper before selling it.
The investigation also revealed an episode of coercion and intimidation, where two of the accused allegedly threatened a collaborator to take exclusive responsibility for the thefts.
The detainees face charges for various crimes, including burglary, receiving stolen goods, belonging to a criminal group, breaking and entering, assault, and threats. After being presented before the judicial authority, two of the detainees have been remanded in custody.
For more information about this case, you can contact the Civil Guard communication office in Seville at the number 650 383 893.
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