In Colón, Matanzas, authorities have apprehended five individuals suspected of stealing dielectric oil and damaging three transformers at "La Conchita" farm. These transformers were critical for providing electricity to an irrigation turbine.
The pro-government Facebook page "Con Todos La Victoria" reported the incident on Friday, stating that the suspects had drilled into the transformers to extract the oil.
The farm's owner allegedly caught the suspects in the act, prompting them to flee and abandon 60 liters of dielectric oil, divided into three 20-liter containers.
Details of the Arrest
Following a police investigation, Abdiel Miranda Mederos, Yenisel Mederos Scull, Pável Díaz Díaz, Dayan Mederos Hernández, and Jansser Amado Ortega Lima were detained, all believed by authorities to be involved in the crime.
During subsequent searches, various items were seized, which the authorities believe are linked to the incident. Miranda Mederos was reportedly found with clothing allegedly connected to the event; Mederos Scull had two latch-shaped sharp objects; and Díaz Díaz possessed about 300 milliliters of oil.
Impact of Dielectric Oil Theft
As reported, the five suspects remain in custody, and the case is being treated as sabotage. This incident is part of a significant surge in dielectric oil thefts in Matanzas.
The official newspaper Granma highlighted that this province accounts for over 50% of such thefts in Cuba, with nearly a hundred transformers affected. The replacement costs for these damaged units have exceeded half a million dollars.
Removing the oil can render transformers inoperative, as the liquid is essential for insulation and cooling. The consequences extend beyond the electrical grid, potentially disrupting power supply to homes, water pumping systems, and agricultural operations, such as those at the irrigation facility in question.
Measures to Combat the Issue
In response, Matanzas authorities have intensified roadside checks to identify vehicles using stolen dielectric oil as fuel. Specialists at these checkpoints conduct analyses of diesel samples to detect possible oil mixtures.
This initiative followed the recent arrest of two individuals in Los Arabos, who were found with a tank of dielectric oil, a hose, gloves, and a rope, in yet another incident linked to this crime.
Authorities revealed that the oil had been siphoned from a transformer in the Guachinango area.
The problem has been escalating for months. In May, Matanzas officials acknowledged that around 40 individuals were being prosecuted for dielectric oil theft-related activities, involving more than ten suspected criminal networks and over 33 ongoing investigations.
Understanding the Dielectric Oil Theft in Matanzas
What is dielectric oil, and why is it being stolen?
Dielectric oil is used in transformers for insulation and cooling purposes. It is being stolen due to its value on the black market, where it is sometimes used as a substitute for fuel.
How are authorities addressing the rise in thefts?
Authorities have increased roadside inspections to catch vehicles using stolen dielectric oil as fuel, and they are conducting thorough investigations into suspected criminal networks involved in these thefts.
What are the consequences of removing dielectric oil from transformers?
The removal of dielectric oil can disable transformers, leading to power outages that affect residential areas, water systems, and agricultural activities, causing significant disruptions and financial losses.