- The criminals visited the site days before the theft to inspect and plan their operation.
- One of the suspects had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by Madrid’s Court No. 54 for receiving stolen goods and related offenses.
March 28, 2025 – As part of the National Plan Against Copper Theft, the Civil Guard has arrested two men, aged 37 and 42, for allegedly stealing 6,484 meters of copper cable from a mining site in the Marina Alta region. The theft caused significant financial damage to the affected company and forced the plant to halt operations for several months.
A Well-Planned Heist
The investigation began after the company reported that the robbery had taken place in December of the previous year. The thieves stole most of the copper wiring that supplied electricity to the plant, rendering it completely inoperative. In response, the ROCA Team of the Calpe division launched Operation Trastear to track down those responsible.
Analysis of the crime revealed that the perpetrators had extensive knowledge of electrical systems and an efficient method for transporting such a large and heavy quantity of copper. Investigators, therefore, focused on suspects known for similar offenses.
Tracking the Suspects
Through surveillance and local inquiries, authorities identified a suspicious vehicle and two individuals who were likely present at the mining site during the theft.
The suspects, residents of Toledo province, were placed under surveillance. One of them was found to have a criminal record for being part of a specialized copper theft ring targeting mining operations.
By tracing their movements before and after the crime, investigators confirmed that the duo had traveled to the site days in advance to scout the area and plan the theft. Further evidence placed them at the scene during the crime, and the suspicious vehicle was confirmed to belong to one of them.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
On March 10, the Civil Guard conducted simultaneous raids in the towns of Recas and Mocejón (Toledo), resulting in the arrests. At the time of his detention, one of the suspects was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant issued by Madrid’s Court No. 54 for receiving stolen goods and related offenses.
Both detainees have been charged with burglary and were brought before Denia’s Court No. 1, which granted them conditional release with precautionary measures.
This operation has successfully resolved a case that has raised significant concerns in the mining sector, where the high cost of replacing stolen materials often prevents affected sites from resuming operations.
