Spanish police arrest 10 graffiti painters

MADRID (AP) — Spanish police say they have arrested 10 of the country’s most active graffiti painters on suspicion of being responsible for over 600,000 euros ($760,000) worth of damage to subway rolling stock.

The suspects, aged between 21 and 27 have been charged with 99 offenses of public disorder including daubing 168 train carriages.

Officers took three years to gather enough information to arrest the gang, who had begun operating as individuals but later joined forces.

The well-organized group would stop trains dead by pulling security levers at pre-arranged spots away from security cameras where others would be waiting to help paint up to 50 square meters (538 square feet) in around five minutes.

The painters would sign their work and film their activities for later publication, a statement says on Sunday.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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