Three Cuban nationals have received prison sentences of 15, 14, and 8 years for stealing dielectric oil from transformers and electrical substations in the Matanzas province. The court labeled these acts as sabotage, which led to prolonged power outages in local communities and disrupted agricultural activities.
According to a report released on Tuesday by the state-run outlet TV Yumurí, the First Criminal Chamber of the People's Provincial Court of Matanzas handed down these sentences after deliberating on several instances of oil theft from the National Electric System's equipment.
The harshest sentence, 15 years of incarceration, was given to Brayan Navarro Marrero, who was held accountable by the court for two continuous sabotage offenses.
Marvin Spek Pérez received a 14-year sentence for a continuous sabotage offense, whereas Yaciel Valle Pérez was sentenced to eight years for a simple sabotage charge.
Reports indicate that the court considered Navarro Marrero's age, 18 at the time of the crimes, and his cooperation with authorities in clarifying the events following his arrest.
Impact of Oil Theft on Matanzas
The judicial case was linked to seven incidents of dielectric oil theft, primarily targeting electrical facilities in Jagüey Grande, located in southern Matanzas.
The first occurrence, as reported by official media, took place on October 4, 2024, when Navarro Marrero climbed an electric pole on the AG 26 highway, about four meters high, and extracted oil from a transformer.
This theft rendered agricultural irrigation equipment inoperative, hindering the planting of beans during the cold season, according to the released information.
Continuing Criminal Activities
On October 18 of the same year, the accused acted again near the AG 26 School junction. Later, on October 26 and 28, oil was stolen from a substation supplying electricity to Agramonte.
During these two last incidents, approximately 100 liters were taken each time, according to the official account.
The investigation reveals that in 2025, Navarro Marrero coordinated with Marvin Spek Pérez and Yaciel Valle Pérez to continue the thefts at electrical facilities.
One of the most severe incidents occurred on June 25, 2025, when the culprits used a Mitsubishi car belonging to the Varadero Tourism Real Estate Company to travel to the San José de Marcos substation.
According to TV Yumurí, 600 liters of dielectric oil were extracted from the site, leading to a transformer burning out and becoming non-operational. This resulted in over 1,000 customers experiencing power supply interruptions.
Judicial and National Implications
On June 30, the defendants were spotted near the Basic Cooperative Production Unit on the AG 26 road but managed to evade capture by a security guard.
Another oil theft at the San José de Marcos substation, attributed to Navarro Marrero, occurred on July 13, 2025, causing extended power service disruptions in affected communities.
In San José de Marcos, authorities had earlier acknowledged that theft of around 1,000 liters of oil left residents without electricity for over 30 days.
By September, officials from the Ministry of the Interior, the General Prosecutor's Office, and the Supreme People's Court confirmed more than 460 criminal investigations were underway for offenses against the National Electric System between 2025 and the first half of 2026.
Authorities have identified dielectric oil thefts in every province and 97 municipalities, with some of the stolen oil entering the informal market, often mixed with fuel.
In early October, the Matanzas Provincial Defense Council warned about the spread of these thefts in Cárdenas, Jovellanos, Jagüey Grande, and Colón, acknowledging the severe repercussions on the electrical supply.
Up to the end of August, Matanzas had recorded 175 incidents of dielectric oil theft, with over 55,950 liters stolen and 91 transformers damaged. Additionally, 43 out of its 98 substations had been impacted, based on figures released by authorities.
The legal treatment of these acts aligns with the Supreme People's Court's Council of Government's Ruling 475/2025, which outlines criteria for classifying these incidents as sabotage when they impact the National Electric System's facilities.
This classification allows for harsher penalties compared to common theft or robbery charges, with sentences potentially escalating based on the damage and consequences of each incident.
Understanding the Transformer Oil Theft in Cuba
What led to the sentencing of the three Cubans?
The three individuals were sentenced due to their involvement in stealing dielectric oil from transformers and substations in Matanzas, which was deemed sabotage, causing extensive power outages and affecting agriculture.
How did the thefts impact the communities in Matanzas?
The thefts led to prolonged power outages, disrupting both daily life in communities and essential agricultural activities, particularly irrigation and planting.
What measures have been taken against dielectric oil thefts in Cuba?
Authorities have initiated over 460 criminal investigations related to such thefts, with tougher legal penalties applied under the classification of sabotage to deter future incidents.