The Guardia Civil has successfully dismantled a criminal group known as the 'Mafia del Cobre,' which is believed to be responsible for 102 thefts of copper throughout eight autonomous communities in Spain.

These operations have resulted in the loss of goods valued at approximately €2.5 million, with the perpetrators leaving graffiti signatures at the crime scenes.

Since the initiation of 'Operation Kuroma' in June 2024, the agency has arrested a total of twenty-one individuals, thirteen of whom have already been incarcerated.

Additionally, twenty tons of stolen metal have been recovered.

The operation began following suspicions of organized crime, as 37 copper thefts occurred over 48 days, which were accompanied by graffiti marking the presence of the 'Mafia del Cobre.'

The group was primarily focused on stealing thick cables from various establishments, including photovoltaic installations, water treatment plants, and wineries.

Their activities disrupted essential community services, resulting in loss of access to water and electricity.

Operating daily from the Madrid province, the organization executed thefts both locally and across several autonomous communities, including Andalucía, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Comunidad Valenciana, Extremadura, and Murcia.

According to the Guardia Civil, during the investigation, it was determined that the band had a structured hierarchy.

One group executed the heists, another gathered necessary intelligence for the operations, while a third section handled the sale of the stolen materials.

The criminals organized themselves in 'rounds' where multiple thefts were committed over the course of four or five days, utilizing relatively independent cells that periodically expanded with new members from Romania.

Participants in these thefts were required to contribute financially to fund these operations, ensuring that individuals facing economic difficulties or addiction issues were excluded.

In addition to copper, the crew also stole fuel, which was sold to an intermediary, alongside vehicles for their operations.

The cables were sent to a location in Madrid for sale and re-melting.

The estimated total value of the stolen goods is approximately €2.5 million.

Due to the extensive activities and complex organization of the group, the dismantling operation required collaborative efforts with the Romanian police and was executed in three distinct phases.

The first phase involved dismantling two cells and arresting eleven members as they returned from committing thefts.

Subsequent actions included three searches in residential properties in Getafe, Madrid, leading to the apprehension of six more group members.

Finally, four additional arrests were made, including an individual responsible for the sale of stolen goods.

In total, twenty-one suspects aged between 20 and 33 years have been arrested.

They face charges for membership in a criminal organization, burglary, theft and usage of vehicles, usurpation of civil status, and receiving stolen goods.

The investigation was conducted by the Guardia Civil in collaboration with various regional commands, and the case has been handed over to the Court of First Instance and Instruction number 4 in Sagunto.