Eleven men have been arrested following the theft of almost three kilometres of copper cable from the public lighting system serving Murcia International Airport at Corvera.

The Guardia Civil said the stolen cable, taken during March and April, had an estimated value of more than 280,000 euros once the cost of damage and replacement was included. Airport management first raised the alarm after discovering wiring had disappeared from lighting installations along access roads.

Investigators found evidence that underground access points had been opened and sections of cable cut and removed. Burnt cable remains and tools were later discovered near Corvera. Officers believe some of the wiring was burned in open areas to strip away plastic insulation, making the copper easier to sell to scrap metal dealers. Technical examinations reportedly confirmed matches with the stolen material.

A breakthrough came when a vehicle seen in the area at the relevant times was linked to visits to recycling and waste management sites, including a facility in the Vega Media area of Murcia. The suspects are being investigated for ongoing theft, criminal damage, handling stolen goods and environmental offences. The case has been passed to the judicial authorities and the investigation remains open.