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Bolívar Estate Hit with 13 Million Peso Energy Fraud
Cartagena, Bolívar – Energy provider AFINIA has uncovered a significant case of electricity theft on a rural estate within the Bolívar Department, resulting in an estimated 13 million Colombian pesos (approximately $3,200 USD as of November 2, 2023) in unbilled energy consumption. The finding highlights a growing concern over energy fraud impacting both the utility and legitimate customers.
According to AFINIA officials, the fraudulent activity involved manipulation of the electrical network, allowing the user to bypass accurate metering and avoid paying for a substantial portion of their energy usage. The company is currently in the process of recovering the lost revenue from the responsible party. The specific location of the estate has not been publicly disclosed pending further investigation.
“AFINIA will continue to advance technical and operational actions to combat the theft of energy,since this crime not only affects the sustainability of the companyS service and finance,but also impacts all the users fulfilled,who end up assuming the costs of the losses,” stated edilberto Agámez Hernández,Territorial Head of AFINIA in Bolívar Sur. Agámez Hernández emphasized the company’s commitment to identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in energy theft.
Energy theft in Colombia is classified as a criminal offense under Resolution CREG 186 of 2015, carrying potential economic fines and legal prosecution. AFINIA also warns that tampering with electrical infrastructure poses serious safety risks, including fire hazards and potential electrocution.
