News Digest

After three-year hunt, Spanish police arrest 10 graffiti artists

Spanish police say they have arrested 10 of the country’s most active graffiti painters on suspicion of causing US$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 said the gang had begun operating as individuals but later joined forces.

"It took three years to gather enough information to arrest the gang."

Police statement reported by Associated Press

The well-organised group would stop trains in their tracks by pulling security levers at pre-arranged spots away from security cameras where others would be waiting to help paint up to 50 square metres in just five minutes. The painters would sign their work and film their activities for later publication, a statement said on Sunday.