The Guardia Civil has identified a familiar modus operandi used by organized crime groups engaged in copper theft following an incident that halted high-speed train operations on the AVE line between Madrid and Seville near Toledo on Sunday.

Investigations conducted by the Judicial Police Unit in Toledo suggest involvement from itinerant criminal organizations specializing in this type of theft.

Authorities believe that the perpetrators are adept at removing copper cabling from high-speed rail tracks and other sections of the railway network, selling the stolen metal for approximately 8 to 10 euros per kilogram.

This increase in copper values has led to what some have termed a 'copper fever,' leading to a rise in such crimes in recent years.

Investigators have found evidence at the scene, confirming that the thieves used metal shears more than a meter long to sever the copper tubes.

Furthermore, the criminals displayed knowledge of which sections to target, effectively cutting cables that contained high copper content.

The episode occurred over a 12-kilometer stretch between Los Yébenes and Manzaneque, causing significant disruption by incapacitating the signaling systems on the high-speed line.

Notably, this segment of the railway lacks surveillance cameras, which likely facilitated the operation.

Vehicle tire tracks were discovered at five locations in Toledo where the copper was removed.

Investigators are analyzing these tracks to ascertain the make and model of the vehicle that may have been used.

The marks could belong to the assailants, who typically use medium to large vans to transport the stolen materials, or to local farmers and security personnel responsible for monitoring the railway.

The coordinated approach employed by these gangs is typical of organizations involved in cable theft, as they plan simultaneous operations across multiple locations, minimizing the risk of being apprehended.

Experts indicate that if the operation were an act of sabotage, it would have been easier to disrupt the catenary system without theft.

The criminal groups often consist of individuals from Eastern European countries and conduct thorough surveillance of railway sections prior to executing their thefts.

According to officials, they track train schedules and the local agricultural routines to optimize the timing of their operations.

In recent times, it has been reported that these thieves have begun using plastic bags over their shoes to avoid leaving footprints, contributing to their evasion tactics.

Currently, no traces of footwear have been found at the site of the severed copper lines.

This incident occurs amid a notable spike in such criminal activities.

Following a peak of copper thefts between 2010 and 2014, the Ministry of the Interior initiated a Permanent Plan for Responding to Illicit Activities Related to Copper in 2015, designed to share intelligence to dismantle these organized groups.

After a temporary decline, incidents have surged following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, there were 4,433 recorded thefts of copper cabling and conductive materials, an 87% increase compared to 2019.

The incidents over the last five years show a disturbing trend: 1,460 cases in 2020, rising to 4,433 in 2024. Castilla-La Mancha has emerged as the most affected region with 799 recorded cases in 2024, following by Andalucía with 745, and the Community of Madrid with 678.

Additionally, detected criminal activity has led to an increase in arrests, with 987 individuals under investigation in 2024. Castilla-La Mancha, Asturias, and Andalucía reported the highest number of arrests.

Investigators believe these gangs can prepare their operations in just one week.

This criminal activity typically incurs minimal legal penalties, resulting in lower incarceration rates for offenders, who are often repeat offenders.

A previous incident during the Catalan elections saw four individuals arrested, all with extensive criminal records related to copper theft.

Experts highlight ongoing concerns within the Ministry of Transport and Adif regarding the frequency of cable theft incidents within the AVE network.

Attempts to enhance security have been made, including a bidding process initiated by Renfe in collaboration with Telefónica, Ineco, and Huawei to implement drone security systems across the railway network, involving an initial investment of 3.5 million euros.