Chilean authorities have dealt a major blow to organized crime by dismantling a sprawling copper smuggling network that allegedly trafficked stolen metal worth approximately $917 million over a five-year period. The operation, described as one of the most significant anti-smuggling crackdowns in the country’s recent history, exposed deep vulnerabilities in Chile’s mining supply chain and underscored the growing global demand for copper, a critical industrial resource.

The nationwide police effort, code-named Operation “High Voltage,” involved coordinated raids across more than 50 locations. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest of 28 individuals suspected of participating in a sophisticated criminal syndicate responsible for large-scale theft and illegal export of copper. In addition to the arrests, authorities seized 187 tons of stolen copper, along with a range of assets including vehicles, firearms, and numerous properties believed to be tied to illicit profits.

According to investigators, the smuggling ring operated between 2020 and 2025, systematically targeting Chile’s extensive mining and transport infrastructure. The stolen copper was reportedly diverted from legitimate supply chains and funneled through a network of intermediaries before being exported to buyers in Asia, particularly in China. The scale and duration of the operation suggest a highly organized structure with logistical capabilities that allowed it to evade detection for years.

Chile plays a pivotal role in the global copper market, producing roughly 27 percent of the world’s supply. Copper is a cornerstone material in modern industry, widely used in construction, electronics, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles. The surge in........

© Blitz