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Two criminal structures dedicated to timber theft in Cunco dismantled: 8 arrested

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The investigation established that since 2023, this organized crime network operated through two criminal structures dedicated to stealing timber from the properties.

In a successful police operation called "Los Capos," units from the Criminal Investigation Brigade (BICRIM) and the Theft Brigade (BIRO) of Temuco, together with the Public Prosecutor's Office, arrested eight individuals involved in timber theft in the commune of Cunco, La Araucanía region.

The investigation determined that since 2023, this organized crime network operated through two criminal structures that stole timber from the properties "28 de abril" and "Las Hortensias," owned by Forestal Mininco.

Subprefect Luis Bocaz Sepúlveda, head of Bicrim Temuco, provided details about this operation after an extensive investigation. "Today, after a lengthy investigation, we achieved the arrest of two criminal structures that were under our unit's investigative scrutiny, as these individuals had been stealing timber from the commune of Cunco for over a year, where they also resided, and today they were arrested," he stated.

Meanwhile, prosecutor César Schibar clarified that the charges against these eight detainees include criminal association and timber theft. "This is an investigation led by the High Complexity Prosecutor's Office of La Araucanía in collaboration with PDI officials for the crimes of criminal association and timber theft. Based on various investigative measures conducted over more than a year, such as phone intercepts, covert surveillance, and the installation of trap cameras on properties affected by timber theft, it was determined that two criminal structures existed," he said.

The investigation revealed that the stolen timber was transported to clandestine sawmills, where it was processed and later sold on the illegal market.

During the operation, authorities seized 6 trucks, 3 portable sawmills, 6 chainsaws, 5 trailers, 3 shotguns, ammunition, among other items.

The detainees will face a detention control hearing and formal charges during today's proceedings.

Source:BiobioChile.cl