The National Police has delivered a decisive blow against the graffiti scene in Spain: A total of 29 individuals have been arrested as alleged perpetrators of 287 graffiti acts on trains. The resulting economic damage amounts to almost 1.5 million euros. This extensive operation, spanning eight months, uncovered a total of 319 offenses.
Successful Raid in Madrid and Other Provinces
The arrests were distributed across several Spanish provinces, with Madrid being the focal point with 18 arrests. Further arrests took place in Málaga (4), Valencia (2), Barcelona (2), and one person each in Alicante, Soria, and León. The investigations began in September 2024 following numerous complaints about graffiti on trains and railway facilities.
The perpetrators acted meticulously: They thoroughly studied train schedules and frequencies, knew the braking distances of trains, and carried various tools and master keys. They also documented their criminal acts on video and shared them on social media – a crucial starting point for investigators.
Focus on the Capital Madrid
Madrid, as a transport hub with important railway infrastructure, proved particularly attractive to graffiti artists. Here, 18 people were arrested in cities such as San Sebastián de los Reyes, Alcobendas, Torrejón de Ardoz, and other municipalities. In the capital region alone, authorities were able to clarify 220 offenses, including 118 acts of vandalism and 32 public order offenses, with an estimated damage of 1,026,412 euros. Coordination between police units was particularly challenging due to the “migratory nature” of the perpetrators, who were often active in different locations.
Investigation Successes in the Rest of Spain
Significant successes were also achieved in other parts of Spain:
- In Málaga, after eighteen months of investigation, four people were arrested and 48 offenses with damages of 205,728 euros were cleared. The perpetrators often sought out isolated stations or workshop areas in cities such as Álora, Antequera, Espeluy (Jaén), or Jabugo (Huelva).
- In Asturias, three people were identified as perpetrators of five acts of damage by graffiti on trains, resulting in damages of 25,069 euros.
- In mid-May, further police operations across Spain led to the clarification of 46 damage offenses with total damages amounting to 204,136 euros. Seven more people were arrested in Valencia and Barcelona (two each) and one person each in Soria, Orihuela, and Ponferrada.
The successful operation demonstrates the consistent approach of the Spanish authorities against vandalism in the railway network.
