The Spanish Guardia Civil has arrested two people for the copper theft that paralysed for hours the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line through the province of Toledo on May 4.
The robbery, perpetrated at five kilometre points, affected the movement of more than 6,000 passengers and 21 trains, with damages valued at 25,000 euros according to Adif. In addition to the robbery, the fall of the catenary on an Iryo train further complicated the situation.
The arrested men, residents of nearby towns, used a technique which, according to the Guardia Civil, required advanced technical knowledge to manipulate the power lines without suffering fatal shocks. This is evidence of their specialisation in this type of crime. Both had previous police records and were on file for similar offences.
This fact dismantles the sabotage theory put forward by Minister Óscar Puente.
The investigation, led by the Toledo Judicial Police Unit and supported by different specialised units, led to the identification and arrest of the suspects after searching homes in Orgaz and Sonseca.
Specific tools, copper cable and narcotic substances were seized. The reinforcement of surveillance on the LAV has been key to clarifying the case and preventing further sabotage.