Chile dismantles copper theft ring that moved US$917 million and shipped cargo to China

The so-called “Operation High Voltage” led Chilean authorities to dismantle a criminal organization operating across seven regions, with 25 arrests, 187 metric tons of copper seized, and an illegal scheme that allegedly moved more than 816 billion pesos between 2020 and 2025.

Chilean authorities dismantled a criminal organization dedicated to the large-scale theft and illegal export of copper, following a multi-agency investigation known as “Operation High Voltage.” According to the case details released on April 8, 2026, the network allegedly moved more than 816 billion pesos between 2020 and 2025, equivalent to roughly US$917 million.

Investigators also allege that the group fraudulently obtained more than 58 billion pesos in VAT refunds tied to export operations, highlighting the level of sophistication behind the scheme.

The case underscores the scale that copper theft in Chile has reached in recent years, as well as the growing complexity of criminal organizations operating around logistics chains, trucking routes and export channels in the world’s largest copper-producing country.

Operation High Voltage: 25 arrested and 49 properties raided

Authorities said the operation involved coordinated raids on 49 properties across seven regions of Chile, resulting in the arrest of 25 people, including alleged leaders of the organization and key operational members.

Police also seized 187 metric tons of copper, along with 40 vehicles and 11 firearms. The confiscated copper was valued at approximately US$2.2 million at current prices, according to the initial police estimate. That figure reflects only the material recovered in this phase of the investigation, not the total volume allegedly moved by the network over the five-year period.

Copper shipments allegedly left through Iquique bound for China

According to investigators, the organization operated across multiple regions of Chile, stealing copper and then transporting it north by truck to the port city of Iquique. From there, the metal was allegedly exported in containers to China, completing an illegal international route with significant scale and coordination.

That pattern suggests the crime went far beyond isolated cable theft or opportunistic robberies. Instead, authorities describe a form of organized crime with the capacity to steal, collect, transport, document and export copper through established commercial channels.

A crime that hits strategic sectors

Copper theft has become a growing concern in Chile because of its impact on power grids, telecommunications, public infrastructure, industrial facilities and logistics operations. In practice, these crimes generate not only major financial losses, but also disruptions to essential services and productive sectors.

The size of this investigation is also likely to intensify scrutiny over copper traceability, customs oversight, tax controls and the need for tighter coordination among police, prosecutors, customs authorities and tax agencies.

Case renews debate over illicit copper markets

The scale of the case could also revive debate over the commercialization of stolen copper and the State’s ability to contain criminal groups that take advantage of the metal’s high international value and strong overseas demand.

In a market where copper remains a strategic commodity for the global energy transition, theft and illegal exports are emerging as a serious challenge not only for public security, but also for supply chain integrity and the credibility of export systems.