Arrest Made for "Sabotage" After Theft of Dielectric Oil from Electrical Substation in Matanzas

In Unión de Reyes, Matanzas, a man has been arrested on charges of "sabotage" by Cuban authorities after he allegedly stole dielectric oil from a transformer at an electrical substation. This act has added to the strain on local residents already suffering from prolonged power outages.

The Matanzas Electric Company announced the arrest on Wednesday, stating that the suspect intended to sell the stolen fluid for profit. Law enforcement officials reportedly recovered 30 liters of the stolen oil.

Official reports claim that upon noticing the police, the suspect spilled an additional 20 liters to prevent it from being confiscated. Dielectric oil is crucial for the insulation and cooling of transformers, and its removal can render these devices inoperable.

The company emphasized that this incident further disrupted electrical service for the residents of Unión de Reyes, who are already dealing with frequent and lengthy power cuts.

The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to uncover more details about the case. Authorities have labeled the act as "sabotage," a charge frequently used by the Cuban government in cases involving thefts and damage to the National Electroenergetic System.

Rising Incidents of Oil Theft in Matanzas

This case emerges after Matanzas authorities acknowledged in May an uptick in dielectric oil thefts from transformers throughout 2026. At that time, it was noted that the municipalities most affected included Jovellanos, Los Arabos, Calimete, Martí, Perico, Colón, Pedro Betancourt, and Jagüey Grande.

These thefts often occur under the cover of darkness, exacerbated by persistent blackouts and a lack of security at remote installations. The stolen oil frequently ends up on the informal market, used as a substitute for fuel or lubricant, while the resulting damage to transformers can further extend power outages.

Widespread Problem Across Cuba

The issue is pervasive across the island, with incidents continuing into August. A recent event in Mayabeque involved the dismantling of a six-person gang accused of stealing dielectric oil from transformers in Güines and Melena del Sur. According to official reports, the group operated with precision, climbing poles without ladders, forcing open transformers, and transporting the oil in plastic containers strapped to bicycles to avoid detection.

In Holguín, the situation is dire as dielectric oil theft has become the most common crime against the electrical system. Over half of the 42 reported criminal acts by the end of July involved the theft of this oil, with 13 new incidents recorded in less than a month.

These thefts have been ongoing for several months. In May, a man faced a so-called "exemplary" trial in Artemisa for stealing 70 liters of dielectric oil from a transformer, prosecuted under sabotage charges. That same month, an employee of the Isla de la Juventud Electric Company was sentenced to eight years in prison for misappropriating 60 liters of oil from a generator, again under sabotage charges.

In cases involving the theft of dielectric oil and public lighting cables, courts in Ciego de Ávila handed down sentences ranging from seven to 12 years in prison, also in May.