In Odesa region, two men stole wire from a DTEK power pole. The court ordered them to return 22,771 Hryvnias.

Two men conspired to steal wire from an electricity pole line. Their actions caused DTEK material damage amounting to 22,771 hryvnias. This is mentioned in the verdict of the Balta District Court of the Odessa region, published on October 16, 2023.

On May 25, 2023, the two men spotted aluminum wire hanging from the overhead lines of concrete electricity poles alongside the road. Subsequently, they entered into a criminal conspiracy, using metal pliers to cut and secretly steal the aluminum wire from the overhead lines of the concrete poles, totaling 489.8 meters in length. After taking possession of the stolen property, the individuals fled the scene of the crime, disposing of the stolen items at their discretion, thereby causing JSC “DTEK Odesa Electric Networks” material damage totaling 22,771 hryvnias.

During the court hearing, the men stated that they understood the nature of the charges brought against them. They fully acknowledged their guilt in committing a criminal offense under Part 4 of Article 185 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and expressed sincere remorse.

What punishment did the court impose?

The court found the men guilty of committing a criminal offense under Part 4 of Article 185 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and imposed an agreed punishment of 5 years of imprisonment, with the sentence suspended based on Article 75 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for a probationary period of 1 year. Based on paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Article 76 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, they were required to periodically report for registration to the authorized probation authority; to notify the authorized probation authority of any changes in their place of residence, employment, or education. No preventive measure was chosen regarding the defendants. They will jointly pay the state for the costs associated with conducting expert evaluations from July 21, 2023, and August 15, 2023, totaling 7,887 hryvnias.