The second phase of this joint operation, aimed at combating tax fraud and electricity theft in commercial establishments, identified 37 individuals and revealed various irregularities. The action was the result of collaboration between the Guardia Civil, the Policía Nacional, the Guardia Urbana of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, the Labor and Social Security Inspectorate (ITSS) of Barcelona, and the electricity distributor ENDESA.
The main objective of the operation was to detect and investigate anomalies in businesses, especially supermarkets and food stores, where there were indications of smuggling, tax fraud, food safety breaches, labor irregularities, or electricity theft. This initiative responds to the need for a multidisciplinary approach to problems that often coincide in the same establishment.
The fraudulent connections posed a significant risk of short circuits and fires, entailing a serious danger to the properties and family homes on upper floors of the buildings where they were detected.
Regarding electricity supply, ENDESA personnel detected fraud in 16 of the 24 inspections, representing 67% of the total. As a result, 14 fraudulent supplies were cut, and in two cases, the installation was regularized. The defrauded energy is estimated at 1,159,678.87 kWh, equivalent to the average annual consumption of 331 homes, and a total power of 529.53 kW was disconnected.
The Guardia Civil recorded 50 infractions, including one for smuggling, five for VAT tax irregularities, 25 for non-compliance with data protection regulations, 13 for food safety deficiencies, one for environmental issues, three for non-compliance with industry regulations, and two for health issues. Irregularities found included products without legal import accreditation, incorrect labeling, expired products, hygienic deficiencies, surveillance systems without required information, and scales without metrological inspection.
The Policía Nacional identified 38 individuals, initiating four sanctioning proceedings for violations of the Immigration Law and arresting one of them. The Guardia Urbana of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat issued 67 infractions related to municipal ordinances, concerning issues such as lack of license, mandatory insurance, complaint forms, fire extinguishers, or adequate safety and hygiene conditions. One establishment was closed for sanitary reasons due to the presence of rodent droppings, and one person was investigated for an alleged crime of receiving stolen goods.
Officials from the Labor and Social Security Inspectorate detected 12 infractions, mainly due to the presence of workers without registration in Social Security or without residence and work permits. In total, 189 people participated in the operation: 82 Guardia Civil agents, 49 from the Guardia Urbana of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 12 from the Policía Nacional, 12 labor and social security inspectors, two inspectors from the L'Hospitalet City Council Health Department, and 32 ENDESA professionals.
