In the city of Cárdenas, Matanzas, authorities have detained three men caught red-handed while pilfering fuel from the emergency generator at the Julio Manuel Aristegui Villamil General Teaching Hospital, as reported by official sources. The Facebook page "Con Todos La Victoria," associated with the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), detailed that the suspects were discovered with "tanks in hand and a hose," attempting to siphon the fuel.
The apprehended individuals have been identified as Amado Marquetty Couret, Manuel de Jesús Céspedes Cabrera, and Ernesto Vladimir Sotolongo Martínez. The report indicates that Sotolongo Martínez has a criminal record that includes theft and assault. All three are currently in custody and will face legal proceedings for their actions, according to the report.
In recent months, the Cuban regime has ramped up its police and judicial crackdown on crime, corruption, illegal activities, and social disorder, in an effort to curb the rising tide of such incidents. These occurrences have surged as the nation's economic, political, and social crisis deepens.
Authorities have launched frequent large-scale national operations aimed at "preventing and confronting" criminal actions and social disorder in communities. This strategy seeks to enforce tight social control through stringent and exemplary measures.
Earlier this month, a Minint operator in Ciego de Ávila was sentenced to seven years in prison for sabotage after contaminating the fuel tank of the generator that powers the provincial delegation's communications center with water. Additionally, in March, the Municipal People's Court of Diez de Octubre in Havana prosecuted two operators from the Ñico López Refinery. They faced serious charges of corruption and administrative negligence after a spill of 280,000 liters of gasoline, revealing irregularities in fuel distribution—a critical issue amid the nation's prolonged energy crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Fuel Theft Issues
Why are incidents of fuel theft increasing in Cuba?
Fuel theft incidents are on the rise in Cuba due to the worsening economic, political, and social crisis, which has exacerbated shortages and increased desperation among citizens.
How is the Cuban government addressing crime and social disorder?
The Cuban government is intensifying its crackdown on crime and social disorder through large-scale national operations aimed at prevention and enforcement, implementing strict control measures.