St. Louis Magazine Reporter Investigates Illegal Scrap Trade, Exposes Stolen Copper Sales
St. Louis Magazine reporter Ryan Krull went undercover to investigate the city's illegal scrap trade, focusing on the SA Recycling facility in south St. Louis and exposing practices involving the sale of stolen copper wire.
St. Louis, MO, September 8, 2026 — A St. Louis Magazine reporter has conducted an undercover investigation into the city’s illegal scrap metal trade, reportedly uncovering practices at a specific facility related to the sale of stolen copper wire.
Reporter Ryan Krull, writing for St. Louis Magazine, initiated the investigation to examine illicit activities within the local scrap trade. His reporting focused on the SA Recycling facility located in south St. Louis.
The investigation, which involved Krull going undercover, aimed to expose methods and operations within the scrap industry that may be unlawful. According to the findings, the focus was specifically on the alleged sale of stolen copper wire at the SA Recycling site. Details regarding the extent of the stolen materials or the specific methods employed in their sale were not provided.
The summary of the investigation does not specify the timeline of the undercover work or the precise period during which the alleged practices occurred. It also does not name any individuals associated with SA Recycling or implicated in the illegal scrap trade, nor does it detail the findings beyond the general accusation of handling stolen copper wire.
Information regarding the outcomes of the investigation, such as whether any authorities were notified, any inspections conducted at the facility following the report, or if any violations or fines were issued, is not available in the provided summary. The report from St. Louis Magazine has brought attention to potential issues within the city’s scrap metal sector.
Story summarized from the original created by Danny Wicentowski on www.stlpr.org, see more information here.
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