A Cuban woman reported a violent armed robbery aimed at stealing a motorcycle in the Havana municipality of Marianao. In the incident, captured by a security camera, what appears to be a long gun can be seen.
According to the testimony of internet user Jesmy García, who shared a couple of videos on social media, the two armed criminals stole the motorcycle of a delivery man, who had worked hard to purchase the vehicle to support his family as a single father.
The violent robbery occurred specifically on Avenue 45, between 118 and 120.
"This is the work of a police officer or someone with access to government machine guns. According to the Cuban government, no one can have this type of weapon. And no police are doing anything. Help me make this video go viral," García stated.
The complainant added that although the victim is physically well, she experienced a rise in blood pressure.
"Anyone who tells me there are no weapons to defend Cuba, to make it free, will find me laughing in their face. Look at the assault rifles those thugs had," he concluded.
The images—lacking audio from the moment of the robbery—show two individuals with covered faces who intimidate and bind a young man.
According to the description from those who were viewing the security camera footage, one of the assailants also had a gun and a knife, and suggested that the victim of the robbery should be stabbed.
In a second post, Jesmy García shared another video from a different angle, but this time her complaint went beyond the theft.
"The motorcycle is just a material possession. What hurts the most is what Cuba has become. I grew up in my beautiful Cuba, where playing with your friends and going to school were our only concerns,” he lamented.
He also criticized the social deterioration that Cuba has experienced in recent years.
"Now we are living among cartels and mafias. This is what these murderers have done to our homeland. They don't care if there are sick children, old people searching for food in the street, or if lightning strikes you. Is there any turning back?" he questioned.
The report has raised concerns among residents of the area, who fear that the circulation of high-caliber weapons is becoming more frequent in a context where public safety is already a source of apprehension.
As of the closing of this report, there are no further details about the incident.
In recent days, there has been an increase in reports of assaults and robberies in Cuba involving firearms.
In recent days, the General Customs of the Republic (AGR) of Cuba acknowledged in its annual report that the increase in traffic through the green channel due to the measures of tariff exemption has led to an increase in attempts to bring weapons into the country, as well as cases of drug trafficking and other smuggling activities.
According to the presented report - cited by the state media - in 2024 "a significant number of weapons were detected trying to enter, along with 35 cases of drug trafficking and over 300 products related to smuggling activities."
The source did not specify the number of weapons that travelers attempted to bring into the country while evading border controls.
Frequently asked questions about insecurity and the rise of theft in Cuba
What happened in the armed robbery in Marianao, Havana?
In Marianao, Havana, two armed criminals with a long weapon assaulted a messenger and stole his motorcycle. The robbery was captured by a security camera and has raised concerns about access to high-caliber firearms in Cuba.
How does the circulation of firearms in Cuba affect public safety?
The circulation of firearms in Cuba is increasing fear among citizens, as it facilitates the commission of more violent crimes. Despite government restrictions, the presence of high-caliber weapons is impacting the sense of security among the population.
What has the Cuban government said about the increase in arms trafficking?
The Cuban government has acknowledged an increase in attempts to smuggle arms into the country, due to tariff exemption measures that have facilitated transit through the green channel. However, no exact figures have been provided regarding the number of intercepted weapons.
What is the perception of the Cuban populace regarding security and government?
The Cuban populace perceives a deterioration in security and an increase in violence, which has led to criticism of the government for its inefficiency in crime control. The circulation of weapons and the lack of effective action have heightened distrust towards the authorities.
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