The Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Pinar del Río announced on Friday that it is actively investigating several sabotage cases, ranging from massive theft of state-owned fuel and electrical components to an unusual incident where a man hurled stones at a public office due to power outages.
All these incidents are being processed under Article 125 of Law 151 of 2022 (Penal Code) and the Opinion 475 from the Governing Council of the People's Supreme Court, ratified in May 2025. This legal framework consolidated judicial practices to classify any theft or damage to critical infrastructure as sabotage, rather than common theft, according to the official newspaper Guerrillero.
Significant Cases of Theft and Sabotage
One of the most significant incidents involves the theft of 4,000 liters of oil from the state reserves at the Agricultural Supplies Company, located on the road to San Juan and Martínez. Perpetrators broke the seal and padlock to access the tank.
In another incident at the Capó neighborhood power plant (Briones Montoto), a generator worker exploited his night shift to siphon 300 liters of diesel, distributing it in 20-liter plastic containers over the fence to three accomplices. All four individuals are currently in provisional detention.
Additionally, 40 liters of oil were stolen from the backup generator of the Herradura Telephone Center, part of the state-run and sole telecommunications firm, Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A (Etecsa), and sold for 80,000 pesos. Both the seller and the buyer have been detained.
Other Noteworthy Incidents
In San Juan and Martínez, an individual removed a grounding rod from an electrical transformer on Timbo hill and sold it for 5,000 pesos. This rod is crucial for stabilizing system voltage and preventing low voltage issues. The buyer is also facing charges.
At the Prefabricated Company in Siete Matas, a citizen climbed the carpentry's iron gate and stole cables intended for building solar park panel bases. Both the buyer and the seller are in provisional custody.
In another case awaiting trial, a solar park worker at La Barbarita removed screws securing panels to their mounts.
An Unusual Act of Protest
Among these cases, the most striking due to its nature is that of a man who, infuriated by blackouts, attacked the offices of Correo de Cuba in Alameda with stones. The regime is also prosecuting him for sabotage, according to the source.
The Opinion 475 specifies that "the perpetrator who intentionally carries out these acts (direct intent), or does so knowingly that such actions could result (eventual intent), is liable for this crime."
The penalties for such crimes range from seven to 15 years of imprisonment for basic cases. Article 126 of the Penal Code increases the sentence to 10 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or even death in cases resulting in severe consequences.
Wider Impact of Energy Crisis
In Trinidad, located in the province of Sancti Spíritus, six incidents of fuel theft from state entities are under investigation.
In Santiago de Cuba, one man died from electrocution while attempting to steal dielectric oil from transformers, and a hospital worker was sentenced to 12 years for stealing over 5,700 liters of diesel, which contaminated generators and left patients on mechanical ventilation without power.
The backdrop of this wave of thefts is the worst energy crisis Cuba has faced in decades. Diesel prices on the black market have soared to between 3,500 and 8,000 pesos per liter, making the diversion of state fuel an extremely lucrative enterprise.
Despite stricter penalties for electrical sabotage, these crimes have not diminished. Between January 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, 100% of those tried for these offenses received sentences exceeding 10 years in prison.
Understanding Sabotage and Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is considered sabotage under Cuban law?
Sabotage is classified as any intentional or knowing act causing theft or damage to critical infrastructure, as outlined in Article 125 of Law 151 of 2022 and the Opinion 475 of the People's Supreme Court.
Why is the theft of fuel a significant issue in Cuba?
The theft of fuel is a critical issue due to Cuba's severe energy crisis, with black market diesel prices reaching between 3,500 and 8,000 pesos per liter, making fuel diversion highly profitable.
What are the penalties for sabotage in Cuba?
Penalties for sabotage can range from seven to 15 years of incarceration for basic cases, and up to life imprisonment or death if severe consequences occur, as per Article 126 of the Penal Code.