A crowd of people gathered this Tuesday in the Los Olmos neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba to capture an alleged scammer who had reportedly been identified by his victims in broad daylight.
The independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada published a reel on his Facebook profile, where a large group of people can be seen gathered in front of a house located on Mariana Grajales Avenue, very close to Yarayó Avenue.
The video was recorded from a moving bicycle taxi.
"Attracting someone in Mariana Grajales and Yarayó in Santiago de Cuba," wrote the communicator alongside the images, without providing additional details about what happened.
However, in the comments section of the post, several users identified the man as a repeated scammer who allegedly deceived his victims days earlier.
"He was a scammer who had scammed over 4,000 pesos just a week ago. It was bad luck that he ran into the girls, and chaos ensued," commented Raynier Casamayor.
"He was a scammer who was settling scores," added Gumercindo Fernández.
Other internet users applauded the civic action, expressing frustration over the impunity with which, according to them, criminals operate on the island in the face of authorities' inaction.
"We must take a strong stand against those shameless thieves and scammers. One does not play with good and humble people. They should go con the government that oppresses them and keeps them in hunger and misery. If the police do not act, then the people themselves should take action so they learn to respect," wrote a user identified as Gold Chanel.
The fact reflects the increase in crimes in Cuba and, above all, how insecurity and police inaction have led the population to increasingly resort to taking justice into their own hands.
During the past few months, the practice of vigilante justice has intensified in Cuba, reflecting the deterioration of public order and the increasing distrust of the citizens in police actions.
The most recent case occurred when neighbors in the Reparto Barrio Técnico, in Santiago de Cuba, captured a young thief after the theft of a television.
The teenager was tied up by the community until the police arrived, in an act that sparked a debate about the structural causes of crime, such as poverty, and the role of the family in education.
A few days prior, it was made public that a reward of 100,000 Cuban pesos was being offered for information about the person responsible for a robbery, highlighting the degree of desperation among the populace in the face of impunity.
In March, residents of Manzanillo thwarted a robbery attempt by capturing the suspect. After his capture, they beat him and held him until the authorities arrived. This case reflected the rising tension between public frustration and the apparent slow response from the police.
These scenes of citizen intervention are not isolated incidents. Since late 2024, Santiago de Cuba has frequently witnessed similar acts. In November, local residents of Songo la Maya handed a young thief over to the police, while just a few days later, another group apprehended and beat a young man caught stealing in broad daylight.
Frequently asked questions about insecurity and self-defense justice in Santiago de Cuba
Why is the population in Santiago de Cuba taking justice into their own hands?
The population in Santiago de Cuba has begun to take justice into their own hands due to the increasing insecurity and police inaction. Citizens have lost trust in the authorities to control crime, leading them to take direct action to apprehend criminals and protect themselves and their communities.
What are the consequences of vigilante justice in the community?
Self-administered justice can have serious consequences, such as an increase in violence and the risk of mistakes when identifying the guilty. While it may provide a temporary sense of security, it can also undermine the rule of law and increase social tensions. Additionally, these practices expose citizens to legal and physical risks.
What is the role of the police in these incidents of vigilante justice?
The police in many of these incidents are perceived as ineffective or slow in their response. This contributes to the population deciding to take matters into their own hands. In some cases, the police arrive after citizens have captured and detained the criminals, reflecting a lack of resources or coordination in the public safety system.
What structural factors contribute to the increase in crime in Cuba?
The increase in crime in Cuba is linked to the economic and social crisis the country is facing. Poverty, unemployment, and the lack of economic opportunities are factors that exacerbates insecurity. The perception of impunity and the insufficiency of resources in the judicial system also contribute to an increase in the frequency of crimes.
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