Brazil arrests nine in electricity theft operations in Paraíba and Maranhão

A joint police and Energisa operation in São Bento, Paraíba, led to the arrest of five people on June 16, including textile and real‑estate entrepreneurs, for illegal electricity connections that endanger public safety. The authorities highlighted that such illicit hookups can cause electric shocks, fires and other serious accidents.

In Maranhão, the “Operação Extremo Oeste” was carried out in six cities between June 8 and 12, resulting in four arrests and the citation of 12 commercial and residential establishments for electricity theft. Police and the state utility Equatorial Maranhão emphasised the criminal penalties and the risks of undocumented wiring, urging the public to report suspected violations through official channels.