Prosecutors have requested combined prison sentences of 55 years for eight defendants accused of belonging to a criminal organisation that stole cash machines across eastern and southern Spain.

The group allegedly used stolen crane lorries to rip cash machines from bank branches in provinces including Alicante, Murcia, Almería, Valencia, Tarragona and Barcelona. Prosecutors say more than 341,000 euros was taken in nine robberies between April and November 2024, two of which were attempted. Material damage is estimated at more than 334,000 euros.

Investigators from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit led Operation Plumajero, arresting suspects in November 2024. All were initially remanded in custody, but they are now on provisional release. The two alleged ringleaders were said to be based in Playa de San Juan and Los Montesinos.

The prosecution is seeking sentences ranging from six to eleven years, depending on each defendant’s role, and is calling for compensation to cover the stolen money and damage caused. The trial is scheduled to take place in Cartagena, unless a plea agreement is reached beforehand.