- The criminal group forged documents to sell the stolen material to a recycling company in Madrid.
- This illegal activity led to an environmental spill in a high-value ecological area along the Jarama River in Madrid.
March 24, 2025 – The Civil Guard has arrested nine individuals and placed eight others under investigation for their alleged involvement in the theft of 1,600 kg of copper in the provinces of Ávila and Valladolid as part of “Operation Plácaro.” The group falsified documents to sell the stolen copper to a Madrid-based recycling company and was also implicated in an illegal waste spill that affected an ecologically significant area along the Jarama River.
Investigation and Criminal Operation
“Operation Plácaro” began last November following multiple thefts at a solar power station in Adanero (Ávila). The perpetrators used stolen farm machinery from a nearby property to break open concrete enclosures and access the copper wiring.
The investigation uncovered a criminal organization specializing in copper cable theft, operating across multiple provinces in Spain. The group was linked to thefts at:
- Solar power plants in Adanero and Langa (Ávila)
- Three water pumping stations managed by the Duero Hydrographic Confederation
- Two electric gas stations in Simancas (Valladolid) and Narros del Castillo (Ávila)
After committing the thefts, the organization used rental vehicles to transport the stolen materials to Mejorada del Campo (Madrid), where they were sold to a recycling company.
Structure of the Criminal Network
The group operated through a clear division of roles:
- Five individuals carried out the thefts and transported the stolen goods.
- Two employees of the recycling company received the stolen materials and forged documentation to facilitate the sale.
- A middleman, unaffiliated with the company, acted as an intermediary between the criminals and the business, taking a commission.
- The company’s administrator was also involved, fully aware of the illicit activities.
- Eight additional employees of the company are under investigation for their knowledge of the illegal transactions.
Seizure of Stolen Copper
The operation concluded on March 10 and 12, when investigators raided the recycling company, gathering evidence and seizing 1,596 kg of copper cable suspected to have been stolen.
A total of 17 individuals have been arrested or are under investigation for alleged crimes, including:
- Burglary and theft
- Vehicle theft and use
- Receiving stolen goods
- Document forgery
- Participation in a criminal organization
Further arrests have not been ruled out.
Environmental Impact of Illegal Dumping
During the investigation, authorities discovered an illegal waste spill in a protected wetland area near the Jarama River in Velilla de San Antonio (Madrid).
This contamination affected Laguna del Soto, part of the Southeast Regional Park, a nature reserve of high ecological value known for its rich flora and fauna. Due to the severity of the environmental impact, the Civil Guard is preparing official reports to initiate administrative sanctions against those responsible.
