Matanzas court sentences individuals for electrical sabotage

A provincial court in Matanzas, Cuba, has sentenced three individuals for a series of sabotage crimes involving the theft of dielectric oil from electrical transformers and substations. The crimes, which occurred between October 2024 and June 2025, resulted in significant power outages for several communities in southern Matanzas, including San José de Marcos and Agramonte.

Brayan Navarro Marrero was identified as a primary actor in the thefts. The court ruled the actions constituted two continuous crimes of sabotage. The theft of oil caused equipment to burn out, impacting local cooperatives and preventing seasonal bean planting due to machinery being out of service.

Navarro Marrero acted in coordination with Marvin Spek Pérez and Yaciel Valle Pérez. The group utilized various methods, including climbing electrical poles and using a vehicle to facilitate the thefts. The legal proceedings were held at a local culture house in Jagüey Grande to allow community members to witness the verdict.