Chilean authorities have dismantled a criminal network involved in large-scale copper theft through a coordinated multi-agency effort called “Operation High Voltage.”

Between 2020 and 2025, the group allegedly trafficked around 817 billion pesos (RM3.64 billion) worth of copper and fraudulently claimed over 58 billion pesos in VAT refunds linked to exports, police reported.

Public Security Undersecretary Andrés Jouannet, joined by senior police, tax, and customs officials, will share more details at a press event in Santiago on Wednesday.

The case highlights both the high profitability and the organized sophistication of copper theft in Chile, the world’s largest copper producer.

The network reportedly operated across multiple regions, stealing copper and transporting it to the northern port city of Iquique.

From Iquique, the copper was shipped in containers to China.

Police conducted coordinated raids on 49 properties across seven regions, arresting 25 individuals, including the alleged leaders and key operatives of the network.

Authorities also confiscated 187 metric tonnes of copper, valued at roughly US$2.2 million (RM8.75 million) at current prices, along with 40 vehicles and 11 firearms.