Chile uncovers $917 million copper theft ring shipping to China

Chilean authorities dismantled a criminal network dedicated to large-scale copper theft, following a multi-agency investigation known as “Operation High Voltage.”

The network moved an estimated 817 billion pesos ($917 million) of copper between 2020 and 2025, while fraudulently obtaining more than 58 billion pesos in export-related VAT refunds, according to a police statement. Public Security Undersecretary Andres Jouannet, along with senior police, tax and customs offcials will provide further details at an event in Santiago Wednesday.

The crime network shows both the profitability and sophistication of copper theft in a country that is the world’s largest producer of the metal. The group operated across several regions — allegedly stealing copper and trucking it to the northern port city of Iquique. From there, it was shipped in containers to China.

Police carried out coordinated raids on 49 properties across seven regions, leading to the arrest of 25 people, among them the alleged leaders of the organization and key operational members.

Authorities also seized 187 metric tons of copper, worth about $2.2 million at current prices, 40 vehicles and 11 firearms.

(By James Attwood)