Spanish National Police have detained 11 people over an alleged copper cable theft operation in Tenerife, after seizing 17,300 kilograms of copper. The case began when a telecommunications company in Santa Cruz de Tenerife reported that thousands of metres of copper cable used in the island’s communications network had disappeared. The material was valued at about 111,772.32 euros. Investigators traced the scheme after the installation and maintenance contractor notified police about individuals allegedly extracting copper cables on site. An inventory check showed 3,402.3 metres were missing, amounting to more than three kilometres of cable and 15,421 kilograms of copper, with a claimed estimated value of more than 111,000 euros. Police then followed leads from paperwork found during the inquiry, including invoices and receipts tied to the acquisition of copper cables under another company’s name in Barcelona. Officers identified an enterprise believed to be linked to the alleged operation. During searches around the site of that company’s facilities, police located and seized copper totalling 17,300 kilograms. Documents seized at the same locations were used to help reconstruct the alleged procurement and trafficking of the stolen material. The investigation identified 14 people as allegedly involved, and with support from the police in Catalonia, the operation led to the detention of 11 suspects. Prosecutors say the alleged offences include robbery with force, damage, fraud, money laundering, and participation in a criminal organisation. After the arrests, the 11 detainees were taken to the competent judicial authority. A court ordered a ban on leaving Spain while the case continues.