Spain investigating blackout as possible 'computer sabotage' – El Pais

According to the news agency, investigative judge of Spain’s National Court, José Luis Calama, has launched a criminal investigation to determine whether the April 28 power outage in Spain could have been "computer sabotage targeting the country’s critical infrastructure."

It is noted that if this version is confirmed, "it would be classified as a terrorist offense."

The initial steps in the investigation include the preparation of reports by the National Cryptologic Center and the electricity company Red Eléctrica within ten days, with no possibility of extension - outlining the causes of the blackout.

The judge has also requested a preliminary report from the National Police’s Intelligence Directorate within the same ten-day timeframe.

Blackout in Europe

On Monday, April 28, a massive blackout affected several European countries, including Spain, France, and Portugal. Millions of people were left without electricity, and there were major disruptions to transport, communications, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

According to media reports, full restoration of the power supply in Spain could take between 6 to 10 hours. The country even declared a state of emergency due to the blackout.

The exact cause of the outage remains unknown.

Initially, Portugal’s national electricity company, REN, suggested that the possible cause was a fire in southwestern France, on Mount Alaric. The fire reportedly damaged a high-voltage power line between Perpignan and eastern Narbonne.

There were also reports that a cyberattack was being investigated as a potential cause. However, European Council President António Costa later denied this information.

According to the media, Spain and Portugal are currently restoring their power systems following the blackout.

More details on the European blackout can be found in the RBC-Ukraine material.