The Supreme People's Court of Cuba has upheld the sentences for four individuals found guilty of stealing dielectric oil from a transformer at Havana's Dairy Complex. This theft led to the facility's shutdown, resulting in losses exceeding 10 million pesos, according to a statement released by the judicial body on Wednesday.
The convicted individuals are identified as Noerlis Agüero Aguirre, Yoel Noel Ortiz Fontes, Andy Travieso Salazar, and Ramón David Cruz Grajales.
Judicial Confirmation of Sentences
The Court's Division for Crimes Against State Security confirmed the penalties after examining each defendant's level of involvement, the aggravating factors—such as the crime occurring at night, being committed for profit, and involving more than three people—and the economic repercussions of the crime.
According to reports, the group stole 140 liters of dielectric oil from the electrical substation's transformer, packaging it into seven 20-liter containers intending to sell them on the black market.
Inside Job Facilitated Theft
One of the culprits was employed as a security guard at the facility, which allowed them access during the early hours. However, other members of the security team intercepted them as they attempted to leave with the stolen oil.
"As a result of these actions, the energy service to the Dairy Complex was interrupted, completely halting the factory's production process and causing an economic impact of 10,272,712.80 pesos," the report emphasized, noting that the affected goods were intended for the family ration basket and school meals.
Legal and Economic Consequences
Repairing the damage required acquiring dielectric oil and additional repairs amounted to 81,591 pesos. The crime was categorized as sabotage under Articles 125 and 126 of the Cuban Penal Code. Additional penalties include the loss of public rights, a travel ban, and asset confiscation.
Agüero Aguirre was the only one to appeal the verdict, which the court rejected, affirming the original decision in full.
This case is part of a nationwide surge in dielectric oil thefts. The General Prosecutor's Office reported over 460 criminal investigations for crimes against the electrical system between 2025 and the first half of 2026, with more than 300 cases involving oil theft across all provinces and 97 municipalities, as revealed in early September.
Persistent Theft Despite Legal Actions
Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted to the National Assembly in July that such thefts occur "daily" and that "the volume of oil stolen is nearly equal to what we produce in the same period as the thefts."
In previous incidents, a Contramaestre man received a 12-year sentence for stealing 120 liters, while another individual was sentenced to 10 years in Matanzas for taking 40 liters.
Judge Iliana Gómez Guerra, head of the Division for Crimes Against State Security, noted that sentences for these offenses this year typically range from nine to 20 years in prison.
Despite the increased penalties, thefts continue unabated. At the end of September, Havana's Electric Company announced the implementation of chemical traps in substations to identify and deter those attempting to steal dielectric oil from transformers.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dielectric Oil Theft in Cuba
What are the consequences of stealing dielectric oil in Cuba?
Those found guilty of stealing dielectric oil can face severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences of up to 20 years, loss of public rights, travel bans, and asset confiscation.
How widespread is dielectric oil theft in Cuba?
Dielectric oil theft is a significant issue in Cuba, with over 460 criminal investigations between 2025 and mid-2026, affecting all provinces and 97 municipalities.