Cuban authorities have disclosed further information regarding the sentencing of a young man and his uncle by the provincial court in Holguín. They were handed prison terms of eight and ten years, respectively, for stealing dielectric oil from an electrical substation in El Zarzal, located in the Urbano Noris municipality.
Details of the Crime Unveiled
The local newspaper Ahora reported on the “exemplary” trial that took place last week, shedding light on the method employed by the perpetrators. The theft occurred in a sparsely populated area near a military unit. The then 19-year-old, Luis Manuel, was the main perpetrator. He breached the perimeter fence of the substation, positioned himself under the transformer, removed the plug, and began siphoning out the oil. His uncle, Jesús Yusnel, aged 33, served as an accomplice. The stolen oil was transported using a bicycle and cart.
Impact on Local Community
Technicians from the Holguín Electric Company discovered the theft when they noticed oil stains on the ground and a lower-than-required oil level. "Besides the deficit issues, we couldn't restore service promptly. Once we realized what had happened, we alerted the Electric Dispatch to keep the circuit open, resulting in over a day without service," stated the substation's group leader.
The affected substation supplies power to Zarzal circuits 1 and 2, serving over 4,000 customers. A blackout lasted more than 24 hours. The technicians quickly replenished the oil level the next day, preventing a potential transformer explosion, according to provincial electric company specialists.
Legal Ramifications and Broader Issues
Specialists explained that removing the oil not only deprives the equipment of its cooling ability but also leaves it extremely vulnerable. If not detected promptly, it could lead to an internal short circuit, damaging the transformer. Dielectric oil is an imported and costly product.
The thefts occurred repeatedly between September and October 2024. The crime was classified as continuous sabotage under Article 125-1 A) of the Penal Code, carrying sentences of seven to 15 years. Luis Manuel received eight years, with leniency due to his age and cooperation. Jesús Yusnel was sentenced to ten years.
Additionally, two others faced charges for receiving stolen goods. Yordan, aged 44, bought eight 20-liter bottles for 4,500 pesos, believing it was diesel for his car, and was sentenced to ten months. Adrián, 39, a driver for Domus construction company, purchased 40 liters for a trip to Levisa, Mayarí, hired by a Mipyme, and received eighteen months of corrective labor with internment.
Neither alerted authorities about the product's origin despite noticing police activity at the substation and unusual smoke from their vehicles' combustion.
Wider Theft Issues in Cuba
Holguín saw 28 instances of dielectric oil theft from transformers between January and August this year, with Urbano Noris among the hardest-hit municipalities. Eduardo Felipe Gutiérrez, the chief security specialist at the provincial Electric Company, described the situation as "a widespread epidemic across the country, seemingly occurring with impunity due to the slow pace of judicial processes."
The consequences extend beyond power outages. In Urbano Noris, a theft around April this year halted the water treatment plant that pumps water from the Cauto River, leaving the municipality without supply for months.
This issue is nationwide. In late July, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, admitted to the National Assembly that dielectric oil theft is a daily occurrence. "The amount of oil stolen is nearly equal to what we're producing during the same period," he stated.
Understanding Dielectric Oil Theft in Cuba
Why is dielectric oil theft a significant problem in Cuba?
Dielectric oil theft poses a serious issue as it not only leads to power outages but also puts electrical equipment at risk of damage. The oil is crucial for cooling transformers, and its removal can result in equipment failures and increased vulnerability. Additionally, the oil is imported and expensive, making its theft a costly issue for the country.
What legal actions are being taken against oil theft in Holguín?
The legal response includes severe penalties for those involved in dielectric oil theft. In a recent case, a young man and his uncle were sentenced to eight and ten years in prison, respectively, under charges of continuous sabotage, illustrating the seriousness with which these crimes are being treated by the judicial system.
How are local communities affected by these thefts?
Communities face extended power outages as a direct consequence of these thefts. In some cases, essential services like water treatment plants are also disrupted, causing significant inconvenience and potential health risks to residents due to the lack of basic utilities.