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José Vicente Pérez Pardo
Alicante
Lunes, 27 de enero 2025, 10:40
La Guardia Civil has dismantled a gang dedicated to the theft of copper in the provinces of Alicante and Valencia. They sold it to recycling centres under the false pretext that it came from clean-up operations in ravines affected by the storm in Valencia. Investigators have arrested two men and three women, all Spanish nationals aged between 34 and 52, as alleged perpetrators of fifteen counts of robbery with force, eight counts of theft, four of receiving stolen goods, document forgery, identity theft, and fraud.
The 'Cobrecas 2' operation began in October 2024 after detecting the sale of large quantities of copper at recycling centres by a known suspect to investigators. Between August and November 2024, the main suspect and his associates sold over 2,500 kilos of copper, using false documentation to justify its origin.
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The criminal group rented vehicles to travel to various towns in Alicante and Valencia. There, they stole public lighting cables, leaving large areas without electricity. Afterwards, the stolen copper was burned and sold to recycling centres to make identification difficult.
The main suspect purchased a second-hand vehicle in December, which he used to continue his illegal activities and complicate police surveillance. However, the investigation identified patterns of behaviour and linked the vehicle's use to the areas affected by the thefts. Eventually, the main suspect was arrested while attempting to sell copper at a recycling centre. Subsequently, the remaining suspects were identified and arrested.
The group managed to steal over 4,000 kilos of copper, causing economic damage exceeding 200,000 euros to several municipalities in the provinces of Alicante and Valencia. During the operation, 80 kilos of copper, 500 euros in cash, a vehicle, and tools used for the extraction and burning of cables were seized. All the confiscated copper is held at the court's disposal.
Following this operation, recycling centres in the Medio and Bajo Vinalopó regions have been asked to intensify verification of documentation proving the legitimate origin of delivered materials. In case of doubt, they are urged to contact the Guardia Civil immediately to avoid receiving illicitly sourced material.
Among the charges against the group are fifteen counts of robbery with force, eight of theft, four of continued receiving stolen goods, document forgery, identity theft, and fraud. All were brought before the Investigating Court No. 1 of Novelda, which ordered their release.
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