They put huts up and drill into pipes underneath. Many we don't find.

The number of pipes was obviously too many to just [drill] down. Then what are they for? I can assume the reason, but I'd rather not speak out,

Criminal punishments will be meted out, including the death penalty.

The police will show these gangs no leniency, even though some are under the protection of local governments, who expect the stealing would boost the slack local economy.

Theft of crude oil is rampant in some regions.

Criminal punishments will be meted out, including the death penalty, as stealing oil in some areas has reached such a serious level it has wrecked production facilities.