The Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) approved a bill that increases penalties for theft, robbery and receiving stolen cables, wires and equipment used in the transmission of electrical energy. Bill 4.872/2024 establishes stricter penalties for those who commit this type of crime.
Cable theft can lead to sentences ranging from 2 to 8 years in prison. In cases of robbery, the sentence can be up to 16 years in prison. Situations involving the interruption of essential public services or occurring during public calamities also aggravate the situation.
In addition to theft and robbery, the bill consolidates penalties for the illegal purchase or resale of stolen material, which can be punishable by 3 to 8 years in prison with a fine. According to Marcelo Castro, rapporteur and senator (MDB-PI), the increase in penalties is necessary given the frequency of crimes involving communications infrastructure in Brazil.
He pointed out that the cable market is worth around R$7,4 billion, of which around R$2,4 billion comes from illegal sources. Dorinha Seabra, senator (União-TO), expressed support for the proposal, citing examples of losses caused in Tocantins. “In my state, especially Palmas, we have a bridge, which is a landmark of ours, that is never lit up, given the number of thefts and, of course, interceptions,” she said.
For the senator, the new legislation should better protect public services and reduce economic losses. The bill also introduces adjustments to the General Telecommunications Law, preventing operators and concessionaires from being punished when service interruptions are caused by criminal actions.
Enel Rio recorded 150 thousand cases of energy theft last year
all the content of Canal Solar is protected by copyright law, and partial or total reproduction of this site in any medium is expressly prohibited. If you are interested in collaborating or reusing part of our material, please contact us by email: redacao@canalsolar.com.br.
