The Municipal Popular Court of Holguín recently held a high-profile trial addressing alleged crimes involving the improper appropriation and receipt of thousands of tons of soy flour. This case was processed under Circular 206 of 2003, issued by the president of the Supreme Popular Court.
As reported by the Provincial Court of Holguín, the investigation is linked to the Preparatory Phase File 29 of 2023, handled by the Provincial Criminal Investigation and Operations Unit of Holguín.
The incident took place on January 10, 2024, involving a truck driver operating vehicle B 088831 from the Military Construction Company No. 2 in Holguín. The driver was responsible for transporting a shipment from Santiago de Cuba to the Holguín Feed Factory.
According to reports, the driver—acting in concert with three other individuals—diverted the route to a residence in the Cruce del Coco, Holguín municipality.
Once there, they allegedly unloaded 4,380 tons of soy flour and 33 sacks of the product onto a tarp, only to be interrupted by a police operation.
During the intervention, authorities seized 4,560 tons of the product from the truck, in addition to the previously mentioned amounts, and the suspects were apprehended on-site.
The judicial proceedings were conducted with full respect for the legal and procedural guarantees outlined in Cuba's current penal and procedural legislation.
Three defendants were convicted of improper appropriation, as defined in article 424.2.3 b) of Law 151/2022 (Penal Code), with sentences ranging from 3 to 8 years of imprisonment. Another individual was convicted of receipt, under article 425.3 of the same Penal Code, facing a penalty between 6 months to 2 years of imprisonment.
The report notes that the parties involved have the right to appeal the verdict to the First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial Popular Court of Holguín.
This type of trial is considered to have a "prophylactic and preventive" effect on individuals with "criminal potential," contributing to the fight against a "scourge" that poses significant concerns for families and communities.
In Santiago de Cuba, a recent exemplary trial resulted in sentences ranging from six months to two and a half years in prison for nine individuals accused of theft during Hurricane Melissa's impact on the eastern region in October.
In that case, six individuals were found guilty of attempted theft and sentenced to between six and nine months of imprisonment. They were caught early on October 29 after entering the Frank País García Mill Factory through a collapsed exterior wall and stealing 111.2 kilograms of wheat flour sweepings intended for animal feed. Special Brigade officers guarding the facility detained them.
Legal Implications and Community Impact of Soy Flour Theft in Holguín
What were the charges in the Holguín soy flour theft case?
The charges included improper appropriation and receipt of property, with sentences ranging from 3 to 8 years for appropriation and 6 months to 2 years for receipt.
How does the trial in Holguín reflect on crime prevention strategies?
The trial is seen as having a preventive and deterrent effect, addressing issues of criminal activity that pose significant challenges to community safety and well-being.