Fifteen arrested in connection with thefts from fuel pipelines

Fifteen people have so far been arrested as part of Operation Carafe, an investigation into thefts from fuel pipelines in Andalucia.

The investigation began earlier this year after complaints made in Sevilla about thefts direct from fuel pipelines. A traffic patrol detected a truck carrying cannisters of diesel oil, around 1,000 litres, and analysis of the fuel revealed it had no additives, meaning it had likely come directly from a pipeline.

The organisation operated in several areas, digging down to pipes and making small holes in the pipes to extract the fuel. Hoses would be attached and the fuel would either be transferred to a waiting vehicle or underground to a warehouse where it was then put into containers.

The fuel was then sold to a transport company in La Rinconada, Sevilla. Police have recovered 6,500 litres of diesel, valued at €10,000, seven vehicles and other items.

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