Khammouane police have arrested 13 people accused of carrying out a series of power cable thefts at factories across the province, along with one Vietnamese national suspected of purchasing the stolen copper.
The investigation began after a factory worker filed a complaint. Police arrested the first suspect, Khamdee Kasihalath, 33, on 13 December 2025. He later confessed and identified other members of the group. Authorities detained 12 additional suspects the following day. On 5 February, officers brought the group to reenact the alleged crimes as part of the investigation.
According to police, the group targeted four factories between June and December 2025. They reportedly used a pickup truck, three firearms, and cutting tools to steal and strip electrical cables.
On 30 June 2025, the suspects allegedly stripped 210 kilograms of copper and sold it for LAK 37.8 million (approximately USD 1,765).
On 27 October 2025, they reportedly threatened workers with a gun while searching for copper and iron but fled without stealing anything.
Police said the largest theft occurred on 2 December 2025. The group allegedly threatened two security guards with firearms, stole 18 bundles of detonators and an industrial fan, and stripped 1,025 kilograms of copper cable, later selling it for about LAK 210 million (nearly USD 10,000).
On 5 December 2025, they reportedly stole an additional 430 kilograms of copper, selling it for LAK 90.3 million (approximately USD 4,340). Authorities said the group divided the proceeds and spent much of the money on gambling.
Police also arrested a 36-year-old Vietnamese national living in Khammouane Province on charges of concealing and trading stolen property, specifically electrical wires.
Authorities are finalizing the case file for submission to prosecutors for further legal action.
