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Gang that stole wood and sold it as firewood in Fresia busted: $130 million worth of tools seized

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Over 70 detectives participated in an operation that dismantled a criminal organization dedicated to stealing wood from forestry properties in the commune of Fresia, located in theLos Lagos region. The operation, also carried out in Aysén, resulted in a total of 13 arrests, with those detained allegedly linked to at least 5 crimes.

The investigation began in March 2022, establishing that the group operated in rural areas of Fresia, Llanquihue, and Dalcahue in the province of Llanquihue. Drones, trail cameras, and intercepted phone calls were used in the probe.

They sold the stolen wood as firewood

According to the investigation, the suspects acted in a planned manner, entering various properties of forestry companies in the area, illegally logging to obtain firewood and selling it informally. This allowed them to generate millions in profits.

Juan Paillan from the Puerto Montt PDI Theft Investigation Brigade stated that the stolen wood was sold as firewood in informal markets.

"This is an organization that had leaders, people who took on that responsibility; others who were dedicated to logging, and the rest to illegal sales in the informal market," Paillan explained.

It is worth noting that they also committed other crimes, such as burglary, theft from uninhabited places, motor vehicle theft, vehicle cloning, and receiving stolen goods.

70 detectives participated, and 10 houses were raided

Through Operation Forest Clearance, over 70 detectives from the Los Lagos region raided a total of 10 homes in Fresia and surrounding areas early Thursday morning, arresting 8 people. Another suspect was captured in the commune of Puerto Cisnes in the Aysén region.

Additionally, 4 pickup trucks, a crane truck, and tools related to the crime were seized, with an estimated value of around 180 million pesos.

Prosecutor Marcelo Sambuceti reported that the detainees will face charges for wood theft, criminal association, burglary, theft of public property, motor vehicle theft, and receiving stolen goods.

He also confirmed that investigations continue regarding crimes related to firearms control laws. Based on each individual's involvement, precautionary measures will be determined, with the prosecutor stating they will request preventive detention.

Meanwhile, Los Lagos regional delegate Giovanna Moreira and Governor Patricio Vallespin highlighted the work of the police and the fight against organized crime in the area.

It is worth noting that this is the second phase of an operation carried out on Tuesday in the same commune and in Dalcahue in the Chiloé province, where 4 other people were arrested for various thefts.

All detainees were placed at the disposal of the courts in Puerto Varas, awaiting formal charges for the aforementioned crimes.

Source:www.biobiochile.cl