Cable Theft in Brazil: Causes, Modus Operandi and Impacts

The theft of copper cables represents a national crisis, as it directly affects essential sectors such as energy, telecommunications, transportation, wind power and industry. As a result, this crime generates millions in losses for the country.

In 2023, for example, Rio de Janeiro recorded a 160% increase in cases. In addition, the problem has spread to São Paulo, the Northeast region, Minas Gerais and other states. In 2024 alone, thefts caused losses of R$26 million and led to 54 deaths. In the Northeast, criminals have also broken into wind farms, which has further compromised the region’s energy matrix.

Given this worrying scenario, this article analyzes the progress of this problem in Brazil. To do so, it provides data compiled over the last three years on the theft of copper cables in different regions of the country.

The theft of copper cables is no longer an isolated crime and affects thousands of people and several companies in the country. Every day, this crime becomes a well-structured and improved chain, with the involvement of factions such as the Red Command and militias. Valued at up to R$9,000 per ton, copper is extracted, processed in clandestine warehouses and sold to scrap yards or even exported illegally.

Most Affected Sectors

This crime directly impacts essential sectors of Brazilian infrastructure and increasingly damages the daily lives of millions of Brazilians:

Energy sector 💡

Companies such as Light, Enel and Neoenergia have already recorded significant losses. Criminals damage electrical networks, causing interruptions in the power supply and generating millions in losses.

Telecommunications sector 📱

Thieves stole millions of meters of cable, which directly affected both residential users and businesses. As a result, signal drops and internet failures have become increasingly frequent.

Public transport sector 🚌

In addition, thefts cause stoppages in subways, commuter trains and railways. These disruptions affect thousands of passengers every day, compromising urban mobility and the routine of those who depend on public transport.

Most Popular Times and Places

In most cases, thefts occur in the early hours of the morning, especially between 1am and 5am, when surveillance is weakest. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, neighborhoods like Centro and Tijuca are constantly targeted. In São Paulo, the East Zone concentrates most of the incidents.

In the Northeast, criminals prefer remote wind farm lines, where there is less surveillance.

Use of Trucks and Tools

To carry out the crimes, the gangs use trucks with fake stickers, imitating vehicles from companies like Light.

They also use powerful industrial tools, capable of quickly pulling cables out of manholes and tunnels. These resources are used in both urban and rural areas, making it easier for criminals to move around and take action.

Disguises and Deception

Criminals also disguise themselves as technicians, using fake uniforms from companies such as Enel, Vivo and others in the sector. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, six people were arrested wearing fake uniforms during Operation Turnstile (2025).

In São Paulo, the criminals wore Vivo disguises. In the Northeast, rural worker disguises predominate, making it even more difficult to identify the suspects.

Enticed Technicians: An Internal Threat

Another worrying factor is the recruitment of technicians with direct access to the networks. Gangs mainly target outsourced and temporary workers, who often face financial difficulties, threats or are lured by bribes.

How to avoid?

Run a background check before hiring

Carrying out a background check, especially on outsourced technicians, is essential. This step helps identify risk profiles and avoids recruitment by gangs involved in cable theft.

Pay attention to the most vulnerable profiles

Financially unstable technicians are the main targets. Criminals often prey on people with debts, addictions, job dissatisfaction, recent unemployment or temporary contracts.

Find out which regions are most at risk of enticement

In Brazil, temporary technicians in the Northeast and outsourced workers in the Southeast are most exposed to vulnerable conditions. These groups are among the most recruited by criminal networks specializing in copper cable theft.

Low wages favor enticement

In addition, the combination of low pay and lack of social support makes these professionals more susceptible to bribery or coercion. This scenario makes it easier for criminals to access information and internal operations.

Security starts in hiring

Finally, applying a careful selection process is not just a formality. It is a strategic measure to reduce internal threats, strengthen operational security and protect the company against cable theft from the first contact with the employee.

After the theft, the criminals strip and process the copper in clandestine warehouses. Then they sell the material to scrap yards and recyclers, who buy it for between 50% and 70% of the market price.

They then transport the copper with cloned license plates and disguises, hiding it among legal cargo. Finally, they resell it to metallurgical companies with fake invoices, giving the product a legal appearance.

The money is laundered through front companies, cryptocurrencies and disguised exports. In Rio de Janeiro alone, the crime moved around R$200 million in 2024.

A striking example occurred in Guarulhos (SP), where a transport company used trucks with false bottoms to distribute stolen copper, generating R$1 million.

Participation of Criminal Factions

Criminal organizations play a central role in cable theft:

• Red Command (CV): Operates in Rio de Janeiro, based in dominated communities.

• Militias: They control territories and maintain structured theft networks.

• PCC: Focuses on theft in São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

• Local gangs: Operate in the Northeast and South, often under the protection of larger factions.

Cable theft compromises essential services, affects millions of Brazilians and causes damage in several areas – from the economy to the environment.

Fighting this crime depends on integrated actions, with strict inspection, effective regulation and partnerships between the public and private sectors.