A gang in Brazil has been involved in the theft of copper cables, reportedly moving over R$ 417.9 million by leveraging connections in communities controlled by the Comando Vermelho.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro uncovered a criminal gang operating with a sophisticated structure to steal copper cables, with their primary receiving points identified in areas controlled by the Comando Vermelho, including the Complexos do Alemão and Penha, as well as Morro do Urubu. The investigation revealed that the gang not only operated in Rio but also extended its activities to São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Tocantins, indicating a well-organized network that transcended regional boundaries.
According to police reports, members of the Comando Vermelho charged criminals for the protection of stolen copper products, demonstrating the gang's deep integration into local criminal economies. On the morning of the operation on the 23rd, the Delegacia de Roubos e Furtos launched a significant step in 'Operation Copper Paths,' aimed at dismantling this organized crime syndicate. A total of 42 search and seizure warrants were executed across four states, targeting key figures and locations involved in the copper theft racket.
By 11:50 am on the operation day, two arrests had been made. Police also discovered more than R$ 131 thousand in cash at one of the gang's storage facilities, underscoring the financial gains generated from their illicit activities. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime networks that are deeply rooted in local communities and underscore the need for persistent efforts to dismantle such operations throughout Brazil.
