Employees Accused of Stealing Copper Components in Wrocław

7 October 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Two men allegedly stole nearly 30 tonnes of copper parts from a Wrocław plant. The copper theft Wrocław case highlights workplace and scrap-market risks.

The police in Wrocław detained three men after discovering large quantities of stolen copper parts. This suspected copper theft Wrocław case involves almost 30 tonnes of components worth at least 5.5 million złotych.

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Details of the copper theft Wrocław operation

Investigators say two 37-year-olds removed copper subassemblies and springs from a production plant in Wrocław. They put the parts into backpacks to carry them out unnoticed. Police found some of the stolen goods hidden in several such backpacks during the arrest. Officers recovered nearly 2 tonnes of material. The recovered items have a preliminary value of 460,000 złotych, the police reported.

Asp. szt. Anna Nicer from the Komenda Miejska Policji we Wrocławiu told reporters that losses linked to the crime totaled almost 30 tonnes. They estimated the damage at no less than 5.5 million złotych. Authorities arrested three men on suspicion of theft and receiving stolen goods, a crime known in Polish as paserstwo.

How the scheme worked and its scale

Police say the suspects used private cars to move the copper after hiding parts in backpacks. The offenders then planned to sell the metal as scrap. Officers believe the thefts continued for more than six months. They do not rule out that the scheme could have lasted up to two years.

The scale of the losses matters to local industry. Copper has high value and uses in electronics and machinery. When companies lose raw components, production delays and supply issues follow. Suppliers and contractors can face knock-on costs. Small thefts add up when someone removes heavy, high-value materials repeatedly.

Legal and business consequences

In Poland, stealing metal and trading in stolen goods carry criminal penalties. Companies may also pursue civil claims for recovery of losses. Employers often tighten security, add monitoring, and change access rules after such events. Scrap buyers face reputational and legal risk if they fail to check goods’ provenance.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live or work in Poland, learn how local police handle theft and paserstwo. The police may detain suspects and search private property. Avoid buying scrap copper from informal sources. Ask for documentation and receipts if a dealer offers metal at low prices. Note: PESEL is the national ID number used in many Polish procedures. If you witness theft, call the emergency line or report it at your local police station. Keep employers informed and preserve any evidence, such as photos or messages, to help investigations.

Local manufacturers may now review their internal controls and security checks. The arrests show how simple methods, like backpacks, can mask large-scale losses. Companies and expats working in supply chains should take note and verify that workplaces have adequate safeguards.

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