Authorities in Portugal have arrested four men in connection with the theft of over 3,600 pounds of copper from a decommissioned power plant in Sines. The ongoing thefts have prompted increased security at the site as it undergoes dismantling.
The four suspects, ranging in age from 19 to 30, were apprehended early Thursday morning after a signal alerted the National Republican Guard (GNR) to their presence at the power plant. According to reports, the group had used a power saw to cut copper wiring and load it onto a vehicle.
Police intercepted the men with approximately 1,660 kilograms – or 3,660 pounds – of copper already in their possession, which they allegedly intended to sell as scrap metal. One suspect has been taken into preventative custody following questioning by a judge, while the remaining three have been released under the condition of reporting to local police stations bi-weekly.
This is not the first incident of its kind at the Sines thermoelectric plant. A GNR source confirmed to local media that the facility has been repeatedly targeted by groups attempting to steal copper cabling since the dismantling process began. Several arrests have already been made.
The Sines thermoelectric plant is currently being dismantled, a process expected to be completed by 2028, as the facility transitions away from coal power. The demolition of the plant’s chimneys took place in October 2025, utilizing explosives in a controlled demolition according to reports. The case highlights the security challenges associated with decommissioning large industrial sites.
