Europe's leading copper producer found itself in dire straits as its shares plunged in Frankfurt trading, sending shockwaves throughout the metals industry worldwide. The company, Aurubis, disclosed that it may have fallen victim to an extensive theft scheme, potentially resulting in staggering losses amounting to several hundred million euros. This revelation adds another layer of turmoil to an already turbulent global metals sector that has grappled with various challenges in recent years.

Angela Seidler, the Vice President for Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Aurubis, shed light on the situation. She revealed that the company had uncovered evidence suggesting that some of its recycling suppliers had tampered with the information regarding the raw materials they supplied. Moreover, they had collaborated with employees within Aurubis' sampling department to conceal the shortfall.

Aurubis has initiated an investigation into the extent of the theft, with expectations that a comprehensive report will be finalized by the end of September. Preliminary figures, however, indicate that the losses incurred could reach "the low, three-digit-million-euro range." This staggering sum threatens to disrupt the company's financial outlook significantly.

The impact of this metal theft has forced Aurubis to make the painful admission that its previously projected operating earnings before taxes, ranging from 450 to 550 million euros for the current fiscal year, are no longer achievable. This revised forecast reflects the gravity of the situation and the financial strain it has placed on the company.

The company's shares experienced a sharp decline of up to 17% in Frankfurt trading, reflecting investor concerns and uncertainties surrounding the company's financial stability. Furthermore, Salzgitter, which holds a 30% stake in Aurubis, saw its own shares plummet by 7.3%, leading to a downward revision of its guidance. This chain reaction underscores the interconnected nature of the metals industry, where one company's challenges can ripple through the entire sector.

The scam uncovered at Aurubis represents a significant blow to the company and raises questions about inventory management practices within the industry as a whole. The scale and audacity of the theft scheme serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist in global supply chains, even within established and reputable companies.

In conclusion, Aurubis, Europe's premier copper producer, faces a severe crisis following the revelation of a massive theft scheme within its operations. The potential losses, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of euros, have cast a shadow over the company's financial prospects for the current fiscal year. While the incident has caused a sharp decline in Aurubis' share price and has had a ripple effect on its stakeholders, the company remains committed to addressing the issue and maintaining its long-term strategic priorities. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of supply chain management and the importance of vigilance within the metals industry.