The civil police of the Delegacia de Roubos e Furtos (DRF) initiated a new phase of Operation Caminhos do Cobre on Monday, aimed at dismantling an interstate criminal organization responsible for an extensive scheme involving the theft of cables, the receipt of stolen goods, and money laundering. According to ongoing investigations, this group was responsible for moving an estimated R$ 417,954,201 over the course of its operations, with actions taking place across four Brazilian states: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Tocantins. In Rio de Janeiro, there are multiple search and seizure warrants in municipalities like the city of Rio de Janeiro, Nilópolis, Mesquita, and Itaguaí.

Investigators have provided details regarding the operational structure of this organized crime group, which involved different cores with specific roles and activities in multiple states, making their operations more challenging for law enforcement. The thefts were typically executed during the night hours when trucks would pull out underground cables while motorcycles were used to scout for police activity. This coordinated effort illustrates a high level of organization and planning within the criminal network, emphasizing the need for comprehensive law enforcement strategies to disrupt their activities.

The implications of this operation are significant as it highlights the extent to which organized crime affects infrastructure and public services in Brazil. By targeting this criminal organization, law enforcement aims to recover stolen materials and curb the ongoing issues related to cable theft that has plagued various regions. The operation is a crucial step in demonstrating the state's commitment to combatting organized crime and the need for cooperation between different police forces across the affected states to effectively tackle such widespread criminal enterprises.