29 Graffiti Artists Arrested in Madrid After €1.5 Million in Train Damage

MADRID, SPAIN – May 30, 2025 – In a significant crackdown on train vandalism, Spanish National Police have arrested 29 graffiti artists, 18 of whom were apprehended in the Community of Madrid. The group is accused of causing €1.5 million in damage to commuter trains, resulting in significant delays and putting passengers at risk. "Their favorite method was pulling the emergency brake, causing sudden stops and endangering passengers," stated a police spokesperson in an interview featured in a Telemadrid video. The arrests follow a series of incidents where trains were extensively vandalized with graffiti. The police investigation revealed 188 instances of graffiti on trains attributed to the group. The video also shows footage of the arrests and the extent of the damage. The operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating vandalism and ensuring public safety on commuter lines.