Chile dismantles $917M copper theft network in nationwide raids

09 April 2026 , 20:56

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Chile dismantles $917M copper theft network in nationwide raids

Chilean authorities have announced the dismantling of a major criminal network accused of stealing and illegally exporting around $917 million worth of copper to Asia over a five-year period.

As part of a nationwide operation dubbed “High Voltage,” Chilean police carried out raids at more than 50 locations, arresting 28 suspects and seizing 187 tons of stolen copper, along with numerous properties, vehicles, and firearms.

Investigators said the stolen metal was largely smuggled to buyers in China between 2020 and 2025. The case highlights vulnerabilities in Chile’s supply chains, as the country is the world’s largest copper producer, accounting for roughly 27% of global supply.

James Smith

Editor-in-Chief