The theft of dielectric oil has affected dozens of communities in Matanzas province, with more than 70 reported cases.

Nearly 20 case files are currently being prepared for presentation before the courts. Those responsible for the acts are being charged with the crime of sabotage.

Judicial proceedings began with a case involving the theft of oil from a transformer belonging to a cooperative in the municipality of Jovellanos.

The crimes have caused extensive damage to the electrical infrastructure. Matanzas currently accounts for more than 50 percent of such thefts nationwide, with nearly 100 transformers damaged and losses exceeding half a million dollars for equipment replacement alone. In some cases, entire communities have been left without power for over 30 days, as occurred in the San José de Marcos settlement in Jagüey Grande, Matanzas.

Authorities have implemented road verification checkpoints to detect the illegal use of dielectric oil mixed with diesel fuel. Those caught adulterating or trading the product face vehicle confiscation and prison sentences. Recent court rulings have issued sabotage convictions against several participants in these violations.

Since May 2025, the People's Supreme Court has determined that acts involving the extraction, damage, or alteration of components of the electroenergetic system constitute the crime of sabotage. The Cuban Penal Code establishes sentences ranging from 7 to 30 years of imprisonment, perpetual imprisonment, or the death penalty for such offenses.

Between 2025 and the first half of 2026, more than 460 criminal investigations have been initiated nationwide for crimes against the National Electroenergetic System, with over 300 complaints specifically related to dielectric oil theft. Cases are concentrated in Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, Mayabeque, Santiago de Cuba, and Artemisa. All individuals tried in 2026 for these offenses have received sentences ranging predominantly from 9 to 20 years of imprisonment.

The prosecutorial authority has imposed pretrial detention on 87 percent of the accused and has requested severe penalties given the gravity of the acts, the impact on the population, and the damages caused. Vehicles and other assets used in or derived from the crimes are subject to seizure or confiscation.

These illegal activities are committed primarily in areas with little traffic, poor lighting, and lack of protection. The stolen oil is sold in the informal market for use as fuel.

Authorities have called on communities to actively participate in the surveillance and protection of transformers, emphasizing that the replacement of damaged equipment cannot guarantee service continuity without adequate vigilance.