A man has been taken into custody for allegedly stealing 700 meters of cable, batteries, and additional equipment from a photovoltaic solar panel park in Colón, Matanzas, as reported by official sources.
The theft took place at the solar park located in the Deseada locality, within the Matanzas municipality, according to a report from the Facebook page "Con Todos La Victoria," associated with the Ministry of the Interior. The specific date of the incident was not disclosed.
Following the investigation, authorities apprehended Yeraldo Lantigua Padrón and seized over 300 meters of cable, four batteries, 178 connectors, as well as cash, tools, and the clothing he wore during the crime from his residence.
Lantigua Padrón is facing charges of sabotage and has a criminal history involving burglary, theft, and disobedience, according to the official report.
"Unfortunately, the adverse effects of criminal acts like these fall on others, especially at a time when the impact on the electrical service is extremely complex, and it seems the criminal was indifferent," warned the Facebook page.
After the stolen items were recovered, it was confirmed that the operation of the park, crucial for electrical energy generation, was restored.
Thefts of devices, parts, and other components from solar parks have become increasingly common in the country. Last June, five metal beams used in the support bases for photovoltaic panels were taken from the same Deseada park, which was under construction at the time. Police apprehended two suspects; one was employed as a security guard at the facility.
In May, Cuba's Supreme People's Court approved a ruling that legally classifies acts causing damage, theft, or alteration of the nation's strategic infrastructure as sabotage. This includes railways, transportation systems, the national electrical grid, photovoltaic parks, generator groups, and telecommunications. Sabotage remains one of the most severe criminal offenses defined in the current Penal Code.
Understanding Cuba's Infrastructure Sabotage
What penalties does Cuba impose for sabotage?
In Cuba, sabotage is considered a serious offense under the Penal Code. It involves severe penalties due to its impact on strategic infrastructure, such as electrical systems and transportation networks.
Why are thefts from solar parks becoming more frequent in Cuba?
Thefts from solar parks are on the rise due to economic hardships and lack of resources, leading individuals to target valuable components and materials from these facilities.