Nine Accused of Copper Cable Theft Across Germany
Trier, Germany – Nine individuals are facing charges at the Trier Regional Court for their alleged involvement in a copper cable theft ring that spanned across Germany. The prosecution alleges that the defendants stole approximately €800,000 worth of copper cables and tools from solar parks and industrial facilities, causing damages exceeding €2 million.
The defendants, all Romanian nationals aged 24 to 45, allegedly targeted primarily solar parks located remotely near highways in Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as in Hesse, Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Their modus operandi involved cutting through fences to gain entry to the solar parks.
Extensive Theft of Copper Cables
The indictment outlines numerous incidents where the defendants systematically stripped copper cables from solar installations, amassing significant amounts of stolen materials. In Niersbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, they allegedly removed nearly 38 kilometers of copper cabling from a solar park. In Kröv, on the Mosel River, they stole 45 kilometers of cables, and in Föhren, 46 kilometers. In Münster-Sarmsheim, Mainz-Bingen, they reportedly stole 21 kilometers of copper cables.
The defendants’ criminal activities extended beyond Rhineland-Palatinate. In Diepholz, Lower Saxony, they allegedly stole copper cables valued at almost €100,000 from a city utility’s warehouse. In Nörten-Hardenberg, they pilfered 24 kilometers of copper cables from a solar park.
Additional incidents of theft attributed to the group occurred in Wolfhagen, Hesse (35 kilometers of cables from a solar park), Gotha, Thuringia, and Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia.
Sale and Distribution of Stolen Goods
The stolen copper cables were allegedly sold in the Netherlands, and the proceeds were distributed among the members of the organization. Authorities suspect that other individuals associated with the gang remain unidentified.
Procedural Developments
Following the arraignment, the defense attorneys, the presiding judge, and the prosecution retired for discussions regarding a potential plea bargain. The outcome of these deliberations is currently pending.
Significance of the Case
The case highlights the growing problem of copper theft in Germany, fueled by the high price of the metal and the vulnerability of remote solar installations. The prosecution’s allegations underscore the organized and widespread nature of these criminal activities, which inflict substantial financial losses on victims and threaten critical infrastructure.
Ongoing Investigations
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the case, seeking to apprehend any remaining suspects and recover stolen property. The successful prosecution of the nine defendants would send a strong message that copper theft will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
