# Law enforcement operations against utility theft in Mato Grâ

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/law-enforcement-operations-against-utility-theft-in-mato-gr
> Updated: 2026-10-21T19:14:19.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 5.

Authorities in Mato Grosso have conducted multiple law enforcement operations targeting the theft of electrical resources and related criminal activities. In September 2026, the ‘Operação Energia Limpa’ task force targeted electricity theft across Rondonópolis, Primavera do Leste, and Cuiabá. The operation identified various methods of fraud, including direct connections to the power grid and the use of magnetic devices to interfere with meters at businesses such as restaurants, pizzerias, and nightclubs. In Rondonópolis, a restaurant and a pub were found using direct connections, while in Primavera do Leste, a pizzeria used a magnetic device and a nightclub bypassed metering entirely. In Cuiabá’s Morada da Serra region, a beauty salon and motorcycle workshop were also caught using illegal connections. Four individuals were taken into custody. In October 2026, the focus expanded with ‘Operação Via do Cobre’ in Cuiabá, an integrated effort to combat the theft, robbery, and fencing of copper cables and wires. During inspections in the Novo Colorado neighborhood, forensic experts from Politec identified significant environmental crimes linked to the illegal copper trade. Authorities inspected three commercial and industrial establishments, resulting in their closure. One proprietor was arrested for receiving stolen goods, tampering with vehicle identification, and electricity theft. Further operations in mid-October expanded the scope to include organized crime and broader utility fraud. ‘Operação Ad Rem’ targeted the financial structures of criminal factions, resulting in the seizure of five properties and the arrest of a financial manager. Simultaneously, ‘Operação Armadilha’ targeted gangs using fake negotiations to ambush merchants. Efforts to combat energy theft continued through ‘Operação Circuito Fechado’ and ‘Operação Energia Limpa,’ which identified illegal connections at 12 locations in Várzea Grande.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Mining company in Cuiabá caught stealing electricity

Three people were arrested in Cuiabá, Brazil, after a mining company was caught using a parallel network to steal electricity during weekends to avoid detection.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mining-company-in-cuiab-caught-stealing-electricity

### 2026-10-19: Mato Grosso police conduct multiple operations against organized crime

Mato Grosso police launched multiple operations, including Ad Rem and Factio Deleta, to dismantle criminal factions, seize illicit assets, and arrest suspects involved in trafficking and organized robbery.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-police-investigate-man-for-non-consensual-pornography

### 2026-10-12: Cuiabá authorities uncover environmental crimes in illegal copper trade operation

Authorities in Cuiabá closed three establishments during the ‘Via do Cobre’ operation, uncovering environmental crimes, illegal copper trade, and theft of metallic materials.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuiab-authorities-uncover-environmental-crimes-in-illegal-copper-trade-operation

### 2026-10-09: Cuiabá authorities launch operation against copper theft and illegal scrap yards

Authorities in Cuiabá conducted 'Operação Via do Cobre,' an integrated task force targeting copper theft and illegal scrap metal businesses, resulting in two closures and three arrests.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuiab-authorities-launch-operation-against-copper-theft

### 2026-09-21: Mato Grosso authorities uncover electricity theft in multi-city operation

Authorities in Mato Grosso conducted ‘Operação Energia Limpa’, uncovering electricity theft at various businesses, including restaurants, a pizzeria, and a nightclub, leading to four arrests.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-authorities-uncover-electricity-theft-in-multi-city-operation

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Cite as: Law enforcement operations against utility theft in Mato Grâ. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/law-enforcement-operations-against-utility-theft-in-mato-gr