# Copper theft investigations in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/copper-theft-investigations-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-08-20T16:55:41.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, authorities conducted the second edition of Operation Equi-Cobre 2026, an integrated effort spanning seven states. During this operation, officials inspected ten recycling businesses in Alvorada and Capão da Canoa, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of more than 100 kg of stolen copper cables.

The operation, led by Grupo Equatorial with support from the Delegation for the Repression of Crimes Against Concessionaire Property (DRCP), was designed to protect electrical infrastructure. This follows a period between January and June 2026 where thefts of electrical equipment caused power outages for over 73,000 customers across 72 municipalities within the concession area.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Rio Grande do Sul police seize 100 kg of stolen copper

Operation Equi-Cobre led to two arrests and the seizure of over 100 kg of stolen copper cables in Rio Grande do Sul during an effort to combat electrical infrastructure theft.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-grande-do-sul-police-seize-100-kg-of-stolen-copper

### 2026-08-14: Carabinieri seize stolen copper in Belpasso

Carabinieri seized 7kg of copper cables in Belpasso, Italy, after stopping a nervous driver suspected of theft from a local photovoltaic plant construction site.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carabinieri-seize-stolen-copper-in-belpasso

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Cite as: Copper theft investigations in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/copper-theft-investigations-in-brazil