Qualiano: Bar connected to the grid for five years without a meter: massive electricity theft worth €181,000

Qualiano – For five years, he ran his business with zero electricity costs, powering coffee machines, refrigerators, ovens, and cash registers with a simple, illegal bypass.

This is what the Carabinieri of the Qualiano Station under the command of Commander Marco Bitetti discovered inside a bar located along the External Circumvallazione ring road, as part of a territorial control operation aimed at combating widespread lawlessness.

A 39-year-old man, resident of Trentola Ducenta, was targeted by the military and Enel technical staff, who responded to the scene to conduct specialist checks. He was reported at large to the competent judicial authorities on charges of electricity theft.

Free coffee and refrigerators for 1.825 days

The investigation revealed a surreal picture: the business was completely without a meter or a valid supply contract. Despite the lack of any tracking, the premises operated at full capacity. Energy-intensive machinery and everyday appliances were constantly powered by an illegal connection directly to the national electricity grid.

According to estimates by specialized technicians, the illegal theft lasted approximately 1.825 days (equivalent to five years of activity). This continuous and systematic theft resulted in financial damage estimated at over €181.

The operation, announced by the Naples Provincial Carabinieri Command, concluded with the restoration of the plant's safety, the seizure of the cables used in the tampering, and the filing of a report against the person responsible. The investigation is continuing to determine any further responsibilities.

Giuseppe Bianco