Record Copper Prices Spark Worldwide Theft Surge

A significant global increase in copper theft is occurring, directly correlated with copper prices nearing record highs. This trend is jeopardizing the functionality of critical infrastructure, including internet and power networks, across North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

Chilean authorities recently dismantled what is believed to be the country's largest copper theft operation, uncovering a scheme that illegally sold nearly $1 billion worth of copper over five years. This case highlights a shift from opportunistic theft to sophisticated, hierarchical criminal enterprises with specialized roles.

In Canada, Bell reported a more than 700 percent rise in copper thefts since 2022, impacting tens of thousands of customers per incident. Similarly, Chile's largest electricity provider, CGE, recorded a record 1,426 copper theft incidents in 2025, leading to substantial cable losses and widespread power outages.

Organized crime, including drug trafficking organizations, is increasingly involved in copper theft in regions like Brazil, utilizing technical expertise and equipment. Solar and wind farms are also becoming prime targets due to their remote locations and often limited security, with thieves stealing extensive lengths of cable.

Efforts to combat this issue include stricter regulations on scrap metal markets, as seen in England and Wales, and the implementation of advanced identification technologies for copper cables, such as nanotechnology being used in Brazil. International cooperation, including with Interpol, is also being pursued to track down overseas buyers and dismantle these complex criminal networks.