Prison for electricity theft

The Albanian government prepared an criminal code amend with harsher measures against those who steal electricity in businesses of families. The draft shows that the energy theft will not be considered as an offense, but a crime punishable by law.

This definition is unclear in the existing law, where two paragraphs contradict each other, treating energy theft once an administrative offense and once as a criminal act. This made courts give administrative measures and no time in prison as punishment.

Besides making this definition clear, the new draft gives harsher measures for those who steal energy in their businesses or families. Punishment for families goes up to three years in prison, while for businesses it is up to five.

The relation argues that punishment for businesses will be higher because it is used for profit and not for vital needs.

Intentional damage on meters will also be considered a crime, since this is turning into a wide concern, according to the Ministry.

These harsher punishments come in a time when the energy system is facing financial difficulties, especially in the distribution sector, due to massive thefts.

The government established a special task force led by the Deputy Prime Minister, which aims to face the emergent situation of this sector.

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