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La Araucanía: Criminal Gang Dedicated to Timber Theft Dismantled

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Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics and Organized Crime Brigade (BRIANCO) of Temuco successfully dismantled a criminal gang involved in timber theft, threats, and violations of the Weapons Law in La Araucanía. The operation, coordinated with the Local Prosecutor's Office of Pitrufquén, culminated in the arrest of eight individuals with no prior criminal records after an exhaustive investigation in the communes of Toltén, Teodoro Schmidt, Villarrica, and Valdivia.

According to authorities, the criminal group stole timber from properties owned by Forestales Arauco and Mininco, using a management plan authorized by CONAF to simulate legality in their operations. Additionally, they provided false documentation, such as dispatch guides and invoices, to sell the timber in formal sawmills in the area.

The operation included 13 raids, during which four cargo trucks, two pickup trucks, two tractors, chainsaws, processed timber, cell phones, a shotgun, a blank pistol, and ammunition were seized. All items were valued at 403 million pesos, while the economic loss for the affected companies amounts to 760 million pesos.

The detainees, seven men and one woman, were placed at the disposal of the Toltén Guarantee Court. During the control hearing, the Public Prosecutor's Office requested an extension of the detention until Tuesday, January 28, to investigate possible new evidence, suspects, and determine the exact value of the stolen goods.

The affected forestry companies filed complaints against those responsible, and the Regional Presidential Delegation of La Araucanía joined the legal actions.

Source:Soychile.cl