The Cuban YouTuber Kary Sánchez, known alongside her partner for the channel Kary and Jony, reported on her social media an attempted extortion by a woman who posed as an inspector during a visit to the municipality of Viñales in Pinar del Río.
According to a video recently posted, the alleged official attempted to charge him a tax on the grounds that he was engaging in activities as a tourist guide alongside a foreign friend.
"No we were not working as tour guides," Sánchez clarified. However, the woman insisted that they should have an immigration permit to stroll with a foreigner through the country, a statement that raised doubts and alarm among those present.
Sánchez reviewed the document that the supposed inspector submitted and noted that it only applied to individuals working as self-employed workers in the category of tour guide services.
"Upon reading the document, we saw that it only applies to those who work independently. In the end, he let us go. 'Was he trying to make money off us?' the YouTuber wondered."
This incident has raised concerns among users on social media, who fear that it is a extortion practice disguised as oversight, in an economic context where many citizens are trying to earn income informally.
Kary Sánchez and her husband have gone viral on previous occasions for showcasing the economic reality that Cubans face.
In March, they shared a video about the precariousness of salaries in Cuba. "My husband has a degree in Law and earns 4,700 Cuban pesos a month, which is approximately 14 dollars," she recounted. That amount hardly covers a basic grocery purchase and does not last the entire month.
The testimony of this young couple once again highlights the vulnerability of citizens to abusive practices by supposed authorities, as well as the contradictions of the Cuban legal system which, far from protecting the population, often serves as a tool for repression and social control.
Frequently Asked Questions about Extortion and the Economic Reality in Cuba
What happened to the Cuban YouTuber Kary Sánchez in Viñales?
Kary Sánchez reported an attempted extortion by a woman who presented herself as an inspector and tried to charge her a fee for allegedly acting as a tour guide without a permit.
Why is the economic situation in Cuba so critical?
The economic situation in Cuba is critical due to the devaluation of the currency, inflation, and lack of adequate infrastructure, which makes salaries insufficient to meet basic needs.
How is the tourism crisis in Cuba reflected?
The crisis in tourism in Cuba is reflected in deserted streets, empty hotels, and unaffordable prices for Cubans, which has led to a significant decline in the tourism sector on the island.
What impact do the abusive practices of alleged authorities in Cuba have?
Abusive practices create distrust and fear among citizens, who are afraid of becoming victims of extortion disguised as inspections, impacting their already precarious economic situation.
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