Electricity System Crimes in Cuba Could Be Labeled as Sabotage

Humberto López, a spokesperson for the Cuban government, has stated on his show "Hacemos Cuba" that the administration of Miguel Díaz-Canel is actively working on investments aimed at transforming the current reality of persistent and prolonged blackouts on the island. However, as these developments unfold (if they actually do), he warns that Cuban communists will not allow individuals to "steal oil from a transformer" to resell it as fuel for tractors, or pilfer "components from investments in solar panels."

Among the most common offenses impacting the National Electric System are the theft of operational equipment, such as angular iron sold on the black market for constructing garages, farms, and fences. Additionally, there is the theft of the coveted fuel from power plants, often involving collaboration from employees of the state-run Unión Eléctrica.

The Ministry of the Interior (Minint) views these thefts as a "significant threat" to the national electric system, warranting investigations conducted with "diligence and determination." Those caught stealing oil from transformers face charges of robbery with force, embezzlement, and sabotage, especially if the transformer is damaged, as it's considered a crime affecting state security by disrupting power to homes. The intent behind the theft is irrelevant; the focus is on the resulting power outage affecting up to 4,000 residents. The Cuban government's stance is that individuals who exploit the national electric system should face "strict legal consequences."

"In a time of such complexity for the national electric system, committing crimes against any of the investment components in areas where significant efforts are being made to improve the current situation deserves public condemnation," declared Humberto López. He introduced guests on his program, including Alfredo López Valdés, director of the Unión Eléctrica; Lourdes Pedroso Pared, chief prosecutor of Mayabeque province; and Captain Roberto Batista Fernández, lead criminal investigator in the General Division of Criminal Investigation of the Ministry of the Interior.

Among the primary crimes associated with the National Electric System (SEN), the regime's spokesperson highlighted the theft of oil from transformers. López Valdés explained that UNE substations in isolated rural areas supply electricity to 3,000-4,000 homes, but lack onsite operators. In this context, thieves employ a valve to extract oil from the transformer, drain around 1,000 liters or more, and sell it. The issue, as explained by the UNE director, is that removing this oil causes the transformer to burn out, leading to a short circuit that could even endanger the thief's life.

To combat oil theft, López Valdés stated that they are welding the valves, a measure that hasn't effectively curbed the thefts, as thieves break these valves to access the oil. In response, they have decided to install "caps" and cameras, "visible or not," to continuously transmit recorded information to a central hub. Despite these efforts, arrests have been made in connection with these crimes, though the remoteness of these thefts provides an "aura of impunity" to this criminal activity.

The Minint gathers evidence to support charges, including the tools used to break the valves, which leave marks serving as proof of the crime. Official communication to the public emphasizes that "many cases are being solved." "People need to know that they are taking a risk," stated the director of the UNE.

Regarding individuals purchasing transformer oil for use as diesel in tractors, prosecutor Lourdes Pedroso warns that they can be charged with "receiving stolen goods," as buyers are aware they are purchasing illegal products distinguishable from conventional diesel by color and odor.