The Local Police of Trieste apprehended a Cuban national and filed charges against him for electricity theft in the northeastern Italian city. The man, identified only by the initials B.B.J.L., aged 29, contacted the Environmental Police Unit at the end of August, seeking help as he could no longer care for the two dogs of his neighbor, who had been absent for some time, according to an official statement.
Officers visited the residence with B.B.J.L. to check on the condition of the AmStaff breed dogs and immediately notified the public veterinary service and the canine police to transfer the animals to the municipal shelter. However, during the inspection, the officers noticed suspicious connections to the electricity meter. Authorities reported that lights and other equipment were on, despite the main switch being turned off.
The statement detailed that the water and electricity supply to the Cuban’s residence had been cut off for some time. Police called a technician to inspect the meters of both apartments, who confirmed the manipulation of the meter and suspected that the shut-off valve had likely been tampered with. The technician noted the potential danger, as cables made of inadequate material could have easily melted and caused a fire.
B.B.J.L. was taken to the Local Police headquarters, where he was formally charged with aggravated theft, a crime outlined in articles 624 and 625, section 7 bis, of the Italian Penal Code. The manipulation of electricity meters to steal power without registering actual consumption is a common practice in Cuba, where frequent and prolonged blackouts are the norm.
Recently, there have been multiple arrests of Cubans in various Italian cities charged with different crimes. Earlier this month, following an intense chase, police arrested a Cuban citizen who was found in possession of burglary tools and a backpack containing stolen valuables, including several watches with their tags still attached.
In June, Italian carabinieri detained Edgar Molina, aged 22, after discovering a clandestine workshop in the basement of his home in Rome, where he had manufactured an arsenal of weapons and ammunition. The Prosecutor's Office of the province of Monza and Brianza has requested a five-year prison sentence for Lindys Pérez Felip, a 40-year-old Cuban woman arrested in January for drugging and robbing several men she met through online dating sites.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electricity Theft in Italy
In light of the recent arrest of a Cuban national for electricity theft in Italy, we address some common questions regarding this issue.
What are the legal consequences of electricity theft in Italy?
Electricity theft in Italy is considered a serious crime, punishable under articles 624 and 625 of the Italian Penal Code. Offenders can face significant fines and imprisonment.
How common is electricity theft in Italy?
While not as pervasive as in some other countries, electricity theft does occur in Italy. Authorities actively work to identify and prosecute offenders to maintain the integrity of the power grid.
What measures can residents take to prevent electricity theft?
Residents can prevent electricity theft by regularly checking their meters for tampering, reporting suspicious activities to the authorities, and ensuring that their electrical installations are secure and up to code.
Why is electricity theft a common practice in Cuba?
Electricity theft is often driven by the frequent and prolonged blackouts in Cuba. Many residents resort to illegal means to ensure a continuous power supply due to the unreliability of the national grid.