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Six suspects arrested in Hêvié for an electricity meter theft network targeting SBEE Published on 29 September 2026 by Christ-loisele (2 min read)
The Republican Police have dismantled a presumed network of electricity meter thieves from the Société béninoise d’énergie électrique (SBEE) in Abomey-Calavi. Six individuals, including fake technicians and millers, were detained after the discovery of five stolen meters used for clandestine connections.
A network dismantled following a subscriber’s complaint
The police operation was triggered following a complaint from an SBEE subscriber, who reported the disappearance of their electricity meter and a power outage at their home in Hêvié, according to information shared by several local media outlets. Three individuals were arrested in possession of the reported stolen meter, prompting a broader investigation. Authorities later identified three additional suspects believed to be linked to the network, bringing the total number of suspects to six.
The five meters recovered during searches had been reported stolen by the SBEE agency in Cococodji following technical assessment
Illustration: Lawing Tech Stolen meters and clandestine connections
The raids conducted by police uncovered five additional electricity meters, all reported stolen by the SBEE agency in Cococodji following technical assessment. These devices were connected to parallel connection systems , used for fraudulent electricity consumption . According to police sources, the detained suspects include casual workers, millers, and individuals posing as technicians, thereby exploiting subscribers’ trust to access installations.
What this means here
This dismantling highlights the scale of electricity-related fraud in Benin, where organized networks target SBEE infrastructure for illegal connections. For local businesses and administrations, it underscores the need to strengthen the security of meters and electrical networks, particularly in areas like Abomey-Calavi, where energy demand is high. Authorities may also consider more frequent audits of installations to detect irregularities, while subscribers should remain vigilant against unidentified individuals claiming to be technicians.
Ongoing investigation to identify additional accomplices
Investigations continue to uncover more details of this case and identify any other members of the network. The suspects, held in custody, must be presented to judicial authorities for further proceedings. Investigators are particularly seeking to clarify each individual’s role and determine the ultimate beneficiaries of the fraudulent connections, which may include private individuals or commercial entities.
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