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2 clusters · 3 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Electrical infrastructure theft in Cuba and Argentina

Overview

In Argentina, utility issues and theft have impacted electrical services. In the Alto Verde region, the Alto Verde Electric Cooperative faced a fine of $832,691 from the Provincial Electricity Regulatory Entity due to voltage drops, resulting in refunds for affected users. In the Santa Fe province, authorities reported the arrest of 257 individuals between January and October 2026 for the theft and illegal sale of cables, meters, and copper or bronze items, with public and residential cabling comprising 78.6% of these incidents.

In Cuba, the National Electric System has faced a crisis of power outages driven by aging plants and fuel shortages. This has been compounded by the theft of components from solar parks and substations. The Electric Union has classified these acts as sabotage under the Cuban Penal Code, carrying potential sentences of seven to 15 years or life imprisonment. Between January 2025 and March 2026, all convicted individuals received sentences exceeding 10 years.

Entities

Cuba · Argentina · Cooperativa de Producción Agropecuaria Mártires del 9 de abril · Cooperativa Eléctrica Alto Verde · National Electric System

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Authorities address theft and sabotage of electrical infrastructure in Cuba and Argentina

    Authorities in Cuba and Argentina are cracking down on the theft of electrical components and metal, with Cuba classifying such acts as sabotage against critical infrastructure.

  2. [CRIME] 8 sources
    Utility fine in Argentina and oil theft trial in Cuba

    Reports cover a utility fine in Argentina's Alto Verde Cooperative and a trial in Cuba regarding dielectric oil theft that caused power outages for local residents and a farm cooperative.

Sources

14ymedio.com · derf.com.ar · radiohc.cu