Fabián Leiva Ferrer has been taken into custody by Cuban authorities after allegedly climbing onto the roof of a residence in the Flor Crombet area of Jovellanos, located in Matanzas province, to steal a solar panel. This incident was reported by the pro-government Facebook page "Con Todos La Victoria."
The theft reportedly transpired during the early hours, with the suspect cutting the cables, removing the equipment's fastenings, and making off with the panel.
The official page highlighted that Leiva Ferrer might have a history of similar incidents, noting he has "a few such feats in his track record."
This case is part of a troubling trend of solar panel thefts that have intensified in Matanzas over recent weeks.
Earlier in September, a mother in Alacranes reported the theft of her EcoFlow and solar panel while she was out purchasing school supplies for her children.
Days later, three individuals were apprehended for stealing 28 solar panels intended for a water pumping system in Los Arabos, though only 21 were recovered.
This pattern is evident across the nation. In July, residents in Camagüey detained a man hopping rooftops to steal panels until law enforcement arrived.
In Santiago de Cuba, criminals struck the infrastructure of a neighborhood for the third time in just over a month, taking four panels from an electrical cabinet. Meanwhile, in Holguín, four perpetrators assaulted and tied up a station guard to seize 32 pieces of equipment.
The root of this crime wave stems from Cuba's severe energy crisis. Blackouts in certain provinces last over 20 hours daily, driving up the value of photovoltaic panels on the black market and making them a prime target for thieves.
The regime has responded with tougher legal measures. In May 2025, the Supreme People's Court issued Ruling 475, classifying the theft of panels as sabotage under Article 125 of the Penal Code, with punishments ranging from seven to 30 years, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty in the most severe cases.
Despite these measures, Cuban authorities acknowledged more than 460 criminal investigations related to offenses against the National Electric System between 2025 and the first half of 2026.
Overall crime statistics are equally concerning. The Cuban Citizens' Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, marking a 115% increase from 2024 and a staggering 337% rise compared to 2023, averaging seven or eight daily crimes across the island.
Understanding Cuba's Solar Panel Theft Crisis
What led to the increase in solar panel thefts in Cuba?
The surge in solar panel thefts is largely driven by Cuba's energy crisis, which includes prolonged blackouts and a ballooning black market for solar technology.
How is the Cuban government addressing the issue?
The government has enacted stricter legal consequences, including Ruling 475, which categorizes solar panel theft as sabotage, punishable by severe penalties.
Are there any recent examples of solar panel thefts in Cuba?
Yes, incidents have been reported in various regions, including the theft of panels in Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba, and a notable case involving 28 panels in Los Arabos.