Brazil authorities combat widespread electrical cable and copper theft

Law enforcement and municipal agencies across Brazil are conducting operations to combat the widespread theft of electrical cables and copper, which has significantly impacted energy infrastructure and local businesses.

In Porto Alegre, a joint operation in the Partenon district resulted in the seizure of 83 kilograms of stolen cables from CEEE Equatorial and the inspection of several irregular scrap yards. Data indicates that cable theft affects 29 of the city's 94 neighborhoods, causing substantial financial losses for thousands of retailers due to power and internet outages.

In Mato Grosso, police arrested six suspects involved in a series of thefts targeting solar power plants in the Primavera do Leste region, recovering approximately R$ 100,000 worth of materials. Additionally, in Campo Verde, authorities identified a large-scale energy theft involving a cottonseed factory and a feed mill that were connected directly to high-voltage lines.

Other notable incidents include the arrest of six individuals in Divinópolis following the recovery of two tons of copper wire stolen from a photovoltaic plant. In Arroio do Sal, Rio Grande do Sul, thieves stole over two kilometers of cables, leaving more than 1,000 homes without electricity. In Rio de Janeiro, authorities seized over 200 kilograms of wire during an operation targeting irregular scrap yards in the city center.