A warning is circulating on social media regarding a scheme that targets travelers, particularly Cuban Americans on the island: the theft of personal documents, such as passports or residence cards, followed by a "timely discovery" when victims post rewards to recover them.
This pattern, reported by users, exposes not only the insecurity but also the migration risks involved in losing essential documents in Cuban territory.
“Right now, it’s a new modus operandi of some people on the island; they steal belongings from foreigners, preferably from Cubans traveling from the United States, and then they wait for announcements of a reward, conveniently appearing to claim they found it,” emphasized the individual filing the complaint.
Additionally, he emphasized: “I recommend not carrying any of those documents with you, as losing them or having them stolen can significantly impact your re-entry to this country.”
The alert was issued by an internet user in the comments of a post made by CiberCuba, which reported a particularly delicate case: a man was offering up to 100,000 Cuban pesos as a reward for a lost permanent U.S. residency belonging to a girl just four years old.
In the case of the loss of the girl's permanent residence, Pedro Luis Aguilar Jiménez, a user of the Facebook group "Vendo todo en Bayamo Granma," posted a message requesting urgent help to recover the document.
"Greetings, this residence is missing. A reward of up to 100,000 is being offered to anyone who finds it. Please, we need it urgently, it belongs to a 4-year-old girl," wrote Aguilar, expressing the desperation to find the card.
During the first months of 2025, various reports indicate how the economic crisis in Cuba has spurred new forms of criminal activity, particularly in rural areas.
In January, a report from Pinar del Río raised concerns about a practice that combines theft with extortion: farmers reported that criminals were kidnapping domestic animals — such as pigs — and then demanding ransoms of up to 30,000 Cuban pesos for their return.
This strategy has been described as an emerging form of "rural kidnapping," where the victims, in addition to suffering economic harm, are threatened if they approach the police.
The phenomenon did not stop there. In May, the authorities in Holguín thwarted an attempt to kidnap cattle when Juan Tomás Almenares was caught after stealing two cattle.
His plan was to demand 60,000 pesos from its owner in exchange for not sacrificing the animals, representing an escalation in the audacity of these crimes.
Although he was arrested before carrying out the extortion, the case highlights the growing insecurity in the Cuban countryside, where thefts and illegal slaughter of livestock have left hundreds of farmers in critical situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Document Theft from Cuban Americans in Cuba
What is happening with the documents of Cuban Americans in Cuba?
A rise in the theft of personal documents, such as passports and residency cards, has been reported among Cuban Americans visiting the island. The thieves expect the victims to offer rewards for the return of these documents.
What is the modus operandi of document thieves in Cuba?
The thieves steal important documents and wait for the victims to post rewards on social media before returning them, presenting the discovery as a coincidence.
What risks are involved in losing documents in Cuba?
The loss of essential documents in Cuba can complicate re-entry to the United States and cause significant immigration issues for those affected.
What do those affected recommend to prevent document theft?
It is recommended not to carry important documents while in Cuba, to minimize the risk of loss or theft.
How do these types of robberies affect security in Cuba?
The growing insecurity in Cuba is reflected in the increase of document thefts, affecting both residents and visitors, and highlighting the ineffectiveness of the Cuban government in ensuring citizen safety.
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