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Catalonia Rail Vandalism Probe Nets 20 Arrests as Police Roll Out Drone Patrols

Built on a two-year review, the operation links suspects to roughly 130 offences with losses above €500,000.

Overview

  • Policía Nacional and Mossos d'Esquadra carried out Operation Tinta targeting graffiti and damage across Renfe, FGC and TMB infrastructure.
  • Investigators say the offences caused service delays and posed risks to railway safety across Barcelona and other Catalan locations.
  • Police describe a modus operandi involving entry through non-public areas, concealed faces, rapid large-surface painting and signature tags.
  • The Mossos have launched Operation Iris to deter new incidents with drones, expanded patrols and coordination with Renfe and Adif security at stations including Montcada Bifurcació, Granollers Centre, Martorell and Estació de França.
  • The operation began on November 21 and remains active, with reports differing on additional people investigated or detained beyond the 20 arrests.