Brazil intensifies crackdown on electricity theft, dozens arrested

In May, the Brazilian utility Light stepped up actions against illegal electricity connections across its concession area, identifying 4,617 irregularities. Authorities took 47 people to police stations, resulting in 37 arrests and 47 police reports. The inspections uncovered illicit hookups in homes as well as commercial sites such as restaurants and markets, with operations focused on neighborhoods including Vargem Grande, Marechal Hermes and Coelho Neto. Light reported the recovery of 6,718 GWh of electricity—enough to power about 33,500 households for a month—while noting that electricity theft costs an estimated R$ 1.3 billion annually.

A separate effort, the "Operação Linha Dupla," was carried out by the Maranhão Civil Police from 25 to 29 May to combat energy theft in the state’s southern municipalities. The operation, conducted with Equatorial Maranhão and the State Institute of Criminalistics, resulted in 12 people being charged and seven arrests, including three made under judicial warrants. Inspections targeted consumers in Imperatriz, Buriticupu, Grajaú, Amarante do Maranhão and Porto Franco, covering both high‑tension users and residential and commercial customers. Authorities continue to investigate further cases of electricity fraud.