Central Operative Unit
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Central Operative Unit, exploring its many facets and its relevance in today's society. From its origins to its presence in daily life, Central Operative Unit has been the subject of debate, study and admiration over time. Through this journey, we will seek to understand its impact in different areas, from culture to technology, including its influence on politics and the economy. We will learn how Central Operative Unit has marked significant milestones in history and shaped the way we perceive the world around us. Likewise, we will examine its role today and projections about its evolution in the future. Soon, we will explore the various perspectives and reflections that Central Operative Unit raises in society, opening the door to an enlightening debate about its relevance and meaning in the contemporary context.
| Central Operative Unit | |
|---|---|
| Unidad Central Operativa (Spanish) | |
 Emblem of the UCO | |
| Active | 1987-present |
| Country | Spain |
| Agency | Civil Guard |
| Abbreviation | UCO |
| Structure | |
| Agents | 550 |
The Central Operative Unit (Spanish: Unidad Central Operativa, UCO) is a specialized division of the Civil Guard of Spain responsible for the investigation and prosecution of the most serious forms of crime and organized crime, whether national or international, as well as support to the Territorial Units of Judicial Police, that, due to lack of personnel or resources, or because the criminal field is more than one autonomous communities, require the support of this Unit.
Functions
The main crimes that the UCO investigates are:
- Economic crimes, including frauds, counterfeit money and smuggling.
- Drugs trafficking.
- Money laundering.
- Homicides and kidnappings.
- Crimes against the national heritage sites.
- Telematics crimes.
- Crimes against the environment, including trafficking of endangered species.
- Medicaments trafficking.
- Smuggling of valuable objects.
- Arms trafficking, explosives smuggling and hazardous goods trafficking.
- Human trafficking.
- Vehicles smuggling.
Also, the UCO has the duty to realize investigations ordered by a judge, a court or a prosecutor.
Structure
- Commander of the Unit (a Civil Guard Colonel).
- Department of Technical and Operational Support.
- Department of Criminal Investigation specialized in General Delinquency.
- Department of Criminal Investigation specialized in Economic and Technological Delinquency.
- Department of Criminal Investigation specialized in Drug Trafficking and Smuggling.
- Unit attached to the Anti-Drug Special Attorney's Office.
- Unit attached to the Anti-Corruption Special Attorney's Office.
- Teams Against Organized Crime (ECO), six teams through the country.
Important cases
- February 27, 1994. Release of Maria Àngels Feliu after 492 days kidnapped.
- July 23, 2007. Arrest of Jaime Giménez Arbe (known as "The Loner") in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
- October 27, 2009. The dismantling of a corruption plot in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, in the so-called "Pretoria Case", in which the mayor of Santa Coloma de Gramanet and other former public officials were arrested.
- October 27, 2014. The dismantling of a corruption plot called "Púnica Case".
- July 18, 2017. The dismantling of a corruption plot in the Royal Spanish Football Federation.