[REVISION HISTORY]

Brazil electricity theft, vandalism, and fraud

Updated 7 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-02 15:03 UTC → 2026-09-26 04:01 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In mid‑2026, Brazil faced multiple disruptions to its power grid linked to illegal activities and accidents. In Bahia, 523 traffic collisions that struck distribution poles left more than 350,000 customers without electricity. Meanwhile, in Mato Grosso, authorities arrested over 150 people for illegal connections following the implementation of Law 15.397/2026, which increased the maximum penalty for energy theft to six years. A surge in cable theft and unauthorized wiring has become a significant national issue. In Poços de Caldas, vandals damaged over 230 street‑light posts and stole approximately 10,000 metres of cable. In Rio de Janeiro, Enel Rio reported the theft of 4 kilometres of electrical cables during the first half of 2026, impacting roughly 300 customers across 66 cities. To mitigate losses, Enel Rio is replacing cables with lower-value materials and collaborating with the Military Police. According to the Brazilian Association of Electric Energy Distributors (Abradee), cable theft occurrences tripled between 2024 and 2025, resulting in R$ 90 million in losses for distributors last year. Utility companies are intensifying efforts to combat these crimes and regularize infrastructure. Energisa Mato Grosso has removed a total of 60 tons of irregular or obsolete cables throughout 2026. In September 2026, enforcement expanded in Pará. The Civil Police launched the second phase of ‘Operação Lasgrael’, targeting a criminal association involved in fraudulent energy contract ownership transfers, resulting in six arrests in Belém, Mosqueiro, and Ananindeua. Additionally, Equatorial Pará conducted inspections in the Belém Metropolitan Region to combat electricity theft, leading to three arrests for illegal connections and meter tampering at locations including a minimarket and a butcher shop. ~~Authorities noted these irregular connections pose risks of fire, equipment damage, and power interruptions.~~ Further enforcement actions occurred later in the month.

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