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Guardia Civil Dismantles Barcelona-Based Ring After Almussafes Copper Cable Heist

Seizing a tonne of copper from rented vans under Operation Rocain has prompted investigators to probe the ring's involvement in further cable thefts in the Valencian Community.

Overview

  • Operation Rocain began on July 22 after a factory security guard spotted a suspect stealing network cable in Almussafes, leading to six arrests on August 1.
  • Six Ecuadorian nationals aged 20 to 37 were charged with theft with force, property damage, trespassing and organized-crime membership.
  • Agents seized two rented vans loaded with specialized tools and about one tonne of copper cable valued at roughly €8,400.
  • The Barcelona-based ring rented vehicles for two-to-three-day intervals, scouted targets and donned construction attire to mimic legitimate workers.
  • Authorities are now investigating the group's possible involvement in other cable-theft incidents across the Valencian Community.