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Copper theft escalation and infrastructure targeting inSpain

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2026-10-08 07:55 UTC → 2026-10-24 04:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Copper theft escalation ~~in Spain~~ and infrastructure targeting inSpain

Spain is facing a significant surge in copper and conductor material theft, driven by high global metal prices and demand from the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors. Data from the Ministry of the Interior’s Statistical System of Criminality indicates that incidents rose 23% from 2024 to 2025, marking a nearly 150% increase since 2021. Criminal activity has expanded to target renewable energy infrastructure, such as photovoltaic solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points. Captain José Luis Vereda of the Guardia Civil noted that solar panels are a primary target because they are often located in unmonitored areas. The high market value of copper on the London Metal Exchange, alongside the ease of melting down stolen material, has further incentivized these crimes. In response, the Spanish government and the Generalitat of Catalonia are seeking to reform the penal code. ~~The~~ This legislative effort aims to reclassify copper theft from a standard theft to a more serious crime, arguing that stealing from railway networks like Rodalies compromises public transport safety and attacks critical infrastructure. Recent operations highlight the increasing sophistication of these crimes. The Mossos d’Esquadra recently dismantled a group linked to twelve thefts at wind farms across Tarragona, Lleida, Castellón, and Zaragoza. The group targeted isolated wind turbines to extract high-voltage cabling, causing estimated economic damages exceeding 500,000 euros in repairs and lost energy production.

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