It’s a clear message to business people to resist the temptation to steal power from the national grid. A court in the eastern Santo Domingo Judicial District has sentenced a businessman to three years in prison for defrauding the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (EdeEste). The sentence was handed down by the First Penal Chamber of the Court of First Instance on Friday, 23 May 2025 and serves as a reminder the new authorities in charge of the electricity distribution system are seriously cracking down on fraud.
A statement from EdeEste urges its users to regularize their energy consumption practices, warning against engaging in unlawful actions. The call comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure fair and sustainable use of the country’s electrical resources. By adhering to legal guidelines, customers can help prevent potential sanctions while contributing to the overall stability of the electric system.
According to a press release, the court found Winston Danaure Sánchez Reyes guilty of illegally connecting his company, Winsa S.A., to the electricity distribution system, bypassing technical and billing controls established by authorities.
The court ordered Sánchez Reyes to serve his sentence at the National Penitentiary in La Victoria and pay a fine of RD$1,800,000 (approximately USD$30,000) as “just compensation for the damages caused.”
The fraud was uncovered during a judicially authorized operation involving technicians from the Electricity Superintendent and personnel from the Public Ministry assigned to the Deputy Attorney General for the Electric System (Pgase).
Evidence presented in court included technical reports, inspection records, and witness testimonies confirming the illegal connection and manipulation of the electrical system.
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EdeEste
Diario Libre
26 May 2025