Crackdown on train graffiti artists: 20 arrested for damages estimated at half a million euros

BarcelonaA new police offensive has been launched against graffiti artists. The Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan Police) and the National Police have carried out a large-scale operation in recent days, following a lengthy investigation, which has led to the arrest of twenty people for damaging the facilities of Renfe (Spanish National Railways), Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Railways), and TMB (Barcelona Metropolitan Transport). Between them, they are responsible for up to 130 offenses related to the railway sector and caused economic damage of more than half a million euros, as reported by both police forces this Friday. The detainees accessed the stations through unauthorized areas, changing the days and times of their activities to avoid detection. They also covered their faces and tried to paint as much surface area as possible in the shortest amount of time. They always finished by signing their graffiti with their signature, known as a tag in the graffiti world. According to the police, their actions directly affected rail service, causing several delays, in addition to the cost of cleaning the graffiti. The arrests took place in the Barcelona and Girona areas.

The operation was carried out this November, but the investigation began two years ago. It was called Operation Ink, and the crimes committed during these 48 months were analyzed. Specifically, all the complaints received were thoroughly examined, and the two police forces, working together, identified the alleged perpetrators. In addition to the twenty people arrested, nine other individuals remain under investigation.

Police reinforcement

In a statement, the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) assert that they have reinforced their presence at stations throughout the region and expanded the specialized team for analyzing and preventing railway incidents "in order to offer a more effective response to these types of events." Specifically, they are focusing on the Montcada Bifurcació, Granollers Centre, Martorell, and França stations. This reinforcement operation, codenamed Iris, aims to prevent vandalism such as graffiti on railway facilities, and drones are being used to achieve this. According to the police, there is also constant coordination with railway operators. Patrols at these locations have been increased for several weeks now and will continue to be so.