BANGKOK: Japanese police have successfully concluded a major investigation into widespread metal theft from renewable energy sites, confirming the arrest of a Thai national linked to nearly 250 separate incidents of copper wire larceny.
On Friday (Dec 5), police in Ibaraki Prefecture detained an unnamed 31-year-old Thai man following an extensive probe.
Authorities revealed the man was responsible for stealing copper wire from solar cell farms a total of 248 times across both Ibaraki and Chiba Prefectures.
The total damage resulting from the extensive crime spree is estimated at approximately 310 million Japanese Yen, equivalent to around 65 million baht.
Police confirmed that the arrested man is unemployed and resides in Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
He was identified as part of a group of Thai nationals who carried out the thefts between May 2022 and March of this year.
The group allegedly targeted secluded solar farm locations, using map applications to identify sites before breaking in late at night or in the early morning.
They used cable-cutting tools to strip the copper wire, which was subsequently sold to metal scrap dealers.
Authorities stated that the proceeds from the stolen copper were used not only for living expenses but also to purchase illegal drugs.
Police stated that the arrest marks the conclusion of their investigation after establishing the man’s connection to all prior related cases. - The Nation/ANN
