Operation Against Train Graffiti Artists Leads to Arrest in Orihuela

Police operations targeting train graffiti artists have resulted in the arrest of one individual in Orihuela, as part of nearly thirty arrests across various provinces in Spain. The 29 detainees are accused of allegedly creating 287 graffiti pieces on trains, causing economic damage amounting to nearly €1.5 million.

Arrests were made in different provinces across Spain, specifically in Madrid (18), Málaga (4), Valencia (2), Barcelona (2), Alicante (1), Soria (1), and León (1).

The operation, which required significant coordination among various police units, has clarified a total of 319 criminal acts - 187 damage-related crimes and 32 public disorder offenses.

According to the National Police, the suspects are characterized by their high level of professionalism - meticulously studying train schedules, frequency, and braking distances, and equipped with various tools, devices, and master keys - as well as the itinerant nature of their criminal activities.

The investigation began in September 2024 following numerous reports of graffiti on trains and facilities in various Spanish cities, spanning 2024 and 2025.

Moreover, the suspects are noted for their professional use of recording devices, capturing their criminal exploits, and sharing them on social media.

Investigations have shown that Madrid, with its significant communication routes and railway infrastructure, becomes an attractive location for both national and international graffiti artists.

As a result, and following analyzed reports of damage in the capital's trains and facilities, officers conducted operations to locate and arrest the perpetrators.

As a result, 18 individuals were arrested in various locations across the Community of Madrid - San Sebastián de los Reyes, Alcobendas, Torrejón de Ardoz, Galapagar, Boadilla del Monte, Móstoles, Leganés, and Getafe - as suspected of damage and public disorder offenses on commuter trains.

Additionally, three search and arrest warrants were issued. Officers have clarified a total of 220 criminal acts - 188 damage-related crimes and 32 public disorder offenses - with the economic damage amounting to €1,026,412.

The itinerant nature of the suspects and their criminal activities required significant coordination among various police units. In Málaga, after a year and a half of investigation, officers arrested four more individuals and clarified a total of 48 criminal acts, causing economic losses of €205,728.

The modus operandi revealed that the arrested individuals would meet at isolated stations - in towns across the Autonomous Community of Andalusia such as Álora (Málaga), Antequera (Málaga), Espeluy (Jaén), or Jabugo (Huelva) - and take advantage of train stops or workshop areas to create graffiti.

In Asturias, officers clarified five damage-related crimes involving graffiti on trains, identifying three individuals as the perpetrators. The damage is valued at €25,069. Furthermore, in mid-May, several police operations were conducted in various Spanish cities to locate and arrest the perpetrators of graffiti on train and metro carriages of different transport operators.

As a result, officers clarified 46 damage-related crimes - causing economic damage of €204,136 - and arrested seven more individuals in Valencia (2), Barcelona (2), Soria (1), Orihuela, and Ponferrada (León).