Cuba: Criminal network dismantled for theft and illegal sale of gas cylinders

Government media reports that Minint forces have dismantled a criminal network involved in home burglaries and the illegal sale of gas cylinders in this Cuban province.

Specialized forces of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) dismantled a criminal network dedicated to Systematic theft and illegal marketing of liquefied gas cylinders in the main city, a fact that has generated alarm due to its impact on the distribution of domestic fuel, the local newspaper reported Escambray. 

The operation was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Rodríguez Carmenate, head of the Criminal Investigation Agency of the territory, who He explained that the group operated at night, taking advantage of the vulnerability of various homes.

The cylinders were stolen and later sold in the black market at prices much higher than the official value.

According to Rodríguez Carmenate, after a detailed analysis and the increase in reports of stolen pellets, those involved were identified thanks to citizen collaboration.

"The two material authors were arrested, as well as two receivers located in Sancti Spíritus and Meneses (Yaguajay), who resold the stolen pellets"He said.

The prices of the illegally marketed product ranged between 15 and 000 pesos, depending on the state of the cylinder (empty or full), generating profits of up to 20 pesos per unit in some cases.

So far, the alleged main perpetrator has confessed. 25 robberies and thefts in homes located in areas such as the residential area in front of Rancho Hatuey, Kilo-12, Olivos I, Reparto Escribano, Garaita, Antonio Maceo Park, Avenida de los Mártires, Sobral Street and areas close to the Provincial Terminal.

Gas cylinder theft: How did they outwit the police?

According to Major Maikel Pérez Reyes, legal advisor of the Minint, the network employed cell phones to monitor police movements, which allowed them to divert routes and avoid controls.

"The criminal operation extended from January to May 2025, thanks to the sophistication of the group,” he explained.

This type of crime has been favored by the crisis in the supply of liquefied gas, with interruptions of up to two months, which encouraged the illegal market.

However, the operation allowed recupto cut several small balls, the return of which to the rightful owners is already being coordinated with the Gas Office.

Ongoing judicial process and preventive measures

The detainees face charges for burglary and residential burglary, and provisional imprisonment has been requested while the investigation continues for possible links to other crimes.

The Minint also reinforced the surveillance in residential areas during the early morning and recommended self-protection measures.

"Remove bullets from exposed areas and report suspicious sales. Citizen cooperation is key," said Pérez Reyes.