Cuban prosecutors have issued a stern warning on the televised program "Hacemos Cuba," stating that fuel theft on the island could be classified as an act of sabotage, carrying prison sentences of up to 30 years.
This announcement, made by Yudenia San Miguel Ramírez, the chief prosecutor of the Department of Criminal Processes, signifies a significant escalation in the crackdown on economic crimes in a nation where energy shortages have become a daily crisis.
San Miguel emphasized that, due to "the impact fuel theft has on the national economy and public welfare," those involved in such activities will be charged with sabotage—a legal term historically linked to actions against state security.
She further explained that even those without direct intent could face charges if they "could have foreseen the consequences" of their actions. Essentially, stealing fuel or indirectly participating in its diversion could be equated legally with an attack on strategic infrastructure.
The message was accompanied by visuals and statistics from the Ministry of the Interior. Lieutenant Colonel Asmel Rojas Águila reported that between January and August 2025, 350,000 liters of stolen fuel were recovered.
Rojas acknowledged that these incidents occur not only at service stations but also at storage facilities, refineries, and power generators, involving operators, security personnel, and managers.
"In many cases, there is complicity between employees and nearby residents," stated the officer while displaying images of tanks, cash, and private homes where the stolen fuel was stored.
During the program, representatives from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) and the state-run company CUPET admitted to shortcomings in internal controls and personnel selection, although they insisted that labor sanctions and "preventive actions" are being implemented.
Nevertheless, the discussion's tone underscored a primary focus: enhancing punishment rather than acknowledging structural corruption or the social factors driving these crimes.
The Cuban prosecutor referenced a recent ruling by the People's Supreme Court that reinterprets "vandalistic acts" against strategic infrastructures as sabotage. This opens the door to classify any action that affects energy generation or distribution in such a manner. Consequently, fuel theft is treated not merely as theft or embezzlement but as an act threatening "national security."
In a country where blackouts, shortages, and low wages push many Cubans to rely on the informal market, categorizing fuel theft as sabotage reflects the use of criminal law as a tool for political and social control.
The program concluded with host Humberto López summarizing the sentiment with a statement seemingly aimed at both workers and the entire populace: "Stealing the people's resources will always be very serious. If it involves fuel and affects the Cuban enduring hardship, those responsible should know that the law's weight will be severe." A statement that resonates more as a threat than a call for justice.
Fuel Theft and Legal Implications in Cuba
What is the maximum penalty for fuel theft in Cuba?
Fuel theft in Cuba can be considered an act of sabotage, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
Why is fuel theft treated so severely in Cuba?
Fuel theft is treated severely because it impacts the national economy and public welfare, and it is seen as a threat to national security.
What factors contribute to fuel theft in Cuba?
Factors contributing to fuel theft include energy shortages, low wages, and the reliance on the informal market due to economic difficulties.