The Cuban regime once again spoke about corruption this Wednesday on television, but continues to dance around the issue without answering a key question that concerns Cubans.
In a new broadcast of the government-supported program Hacemos Cuba, hosted by the regime's spokesperson Humberto López, the current status of internal control measures in state institutions was discussed.
Representatives from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the Prosecutor's Office, and the General Comptroller's Office of the Republic participated, defending the work of their institutions, although without providing many figures or details regarding the cases being investigated.
According to officials, in the last eight months, 125 Oficodas were inspected in 80 municipalities across the country. Irregularities related to false procedures aimed at were detected there.
They also found crimes related to the poor management of housing construction subsidies, inadequate control of the state budget, and irregularities in service payment and contracting processes.
Additional inspections were conducted at shelters for vulnerable individuals, at companies in the Cuban Bread Chain, and at the Oil Refinery in Santiago de Cuba, although no names, affected positions, or details of the imposed sanctions were specified.
Another aspect they insisted on was the theft of fuel in Cuba. In this case, they explained that some incidents will be prosecuted as "sabotage offenses" due to their impact on the energy crisis the country is facing. They also did not specify what situation they were referring to, nor how many individuals were investigated.
Despite the rhetoric on "zero tolerance for corruption," the program avoided mentioning the most scandalous case in recent years: The investigation against Alejandro Gil Fernández, former Minister of Economy and former Deputy Prime Minister, who was dismissed in February 2024.
The Colonel Felipe Oliver García from the Technical Investigation Directorate (DTI) stated that "the majority of corruption cases occur in the business sector and at the grassroots level. The incidents at the national level have been isolated, but they have been met with a rigor and severity (in the sanctions) greater than those at the grassroots level."
"These leaders are individuals who are understood to have greater control over resources, more knowledge, and a stronger commitment to the State. Therefore, I reiterate that the rigor and severity with which we view these events is greater," said the Colonel.
This was the only reference made in the program regarding the cases of corruption in the upper echelons of the Cuban regime. They confirmed that these cases exist, but they claim they are isolated and do not provide details about them.
How is the investigation into Alejandro Gil progressing?
In February 2024, a year ago, Miguel Díaz-Canel announced the dismissal of Cuba's Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil Fernández. The removal from office followed an economic debacle in the country, amid power outages, food shortages, and the collapse of health services, a situation that persists to this day, despite the regime's continuous attempts to "correct distortions."
Until that moment, it had not been stated that his departure from the political position was related to a corruption case. Figures from the state media even dared to defend Gil. Journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet said that he "does not leave with his pockets full".
However, the MININT had information that spokesperson Díaz-Canel was not aware of. In March 2024, it was reported that an investigative file against Gil had been opened.
The official statement indicated that the former minister had accepted "serious accusations" and had resigned from his positions in the Communist Party and the National Assembly. The MININT and the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Cuba are handling the case, but they have not disclosed further details.
The only official who has made an indirect reference to the issue was Gladys María Bejerano, former Comptroller General of the Republic, who in an interview in May 2024 characterized the case as a “sadly negative lesson” and expressed that she felt it was “a betrayal” to the country.
He stated that the investigation did not originate from the Comptroller's Office, but did not disclose the source. Two months later, Bejerano was removed from her position. Díaz-Canel announced the official's dismissal on national television.
While the regime showcases an apparent crusade against corruption in the state media, it avoids explaining the fate of one of the strongmen from Díaz-Canel's cabinet. Alejandro Gil could be in a Cuban prison or enjoying impunity in some tax haven.
The people of Cuba do not know the truth, and the government will probably never reveal it. The regime tries to entertain the populace by waging a battle against corruption at the grassroots level. They teach Cubans by showing how they punish those who steal gasoline, bread, and oil.
Frequently asked questions about corruption in Cuba and the case of Alejandro Gil
What is the current status of Alejandro Gil's case in Cuba?
The case of Alejandro Gil, former Minister of Economy of Cuba, is in a state of silence from the regime. No details about the investigation have been revealed since his dismissal and the initiation of an investigative file in March 2024. This lack of transparency has generated uncertainty and distrust among the Cuban population.
What irregularities have been detected in the Cuban state institutions related to corruption?
In recent months, irregularities have been detected in 125 Oficodas and other state institutions in Cuba. The irregularities include false procedures to obtain products from the ration book, mismanagement of subsidies for housing construction, and poor control of the state budget. However, the regime has not provided specific details about the investigated cases or the imposed sanctions.
How does the lack of transparency of the Cuban government affect public perception of corruption?
The lack of transparency in handling corruption cases, such as that of Alejandro Gil, has created a negative perception among the Cuban population. The regime avoids providing specific details and figures, fostering distrust and skepticism about its alleged crusade against corruption. This adds to the discontent over the economic and social crisis facing the country.
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