Call launched for Cuban detained in Russia after being a victim of trafficking

A young Cuban woman from Sancti Spíritus has been detained in Russia for 11 months after escaping an alleged human trafficking case in a prostitution club, according to a report from a social media user.

The case was shared in the Facebook group Revolico Sancti Spíritus by a woman identifying herself as La Atrevida Con Poder, who sought assistance in locating the mother of the victim, identified as Arcelis Aule Martínez.

"Hello, I urgently need to find the mother of this girl to tell her that she is alive. Her daughter was kidnapped here in Russia at a prostitution club, and when she escaped, the police were called and have had her in a detention center for 11 months," reported the user, alongside an image of the young woman, which corresponds to a photograph from the year 2010.

The post triggered a swift reaction from users who identified the young woman as Nailen, from Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus.

"Oh my God, she is Nailen!" wrote Dalena Luis, while others, like Yoani Duarte and Gman Jude, confirmed that her family resides between Cabaiguán and La Sierpe: "It's Nailen, she's from Cabaiguán; her mother and the father of her daughter are from La Sierpe."

“She is from here in Sancti Spíritus; the mother has already been informed,” confirmed Rogelio Gurbi.

A user identified as Onislaidy Retureta also claimed to have direct contact with the family: "I know how to reach her mother, she is my cousin."

Later, the complainant confirmed that they were able to establish communication with the young woman's family: “Hello, we were able to get in touch with her family. Thank you very much for all your support. We thank God, may He repay you.”

This case once again highlights the vulnerability of many Cuban migrant women who, in search of better opportunities, end up trapped in exploitation networks abroad, often without institutional support or consular protection.

The decision to emigrate to Russia in search of a better future has led many Cubans to face scenarios of extreme vulnerability, lacking legal, social, and consular protection. Recent cases reveal a pattern of neglect, exploitation, and criminalization that affects those fleeing the crisis on the island.

One of the most alarming examples was the death of a young man from Santiago under unknown circumstances on Russian territory, whose repatriation proved impossible due to a lack of institutional support.

The young man was found dead in a remote area, and his family, powerless from Cuba, had to resort to fundraising campaigns to try to cover the funeral expenses.

Precarity is not exclusive to the younger generation. A 61-year-old man, sick and homeless, was deported after living on the streets for months in inhumane conditions.

Her situation highlighted the helplessness many migrants face when their health deteriorates and they lack support networks or state assistance.

Some, in addition, find themselves caught up in legal conflicts without the resources to defend themselves. This is the case of a Cuban citizen who was placed in preventive detention for alleged involvement in crimes by a Russian court.

The lack of access to translators, lawyers, or consular intervention turns these processes into foregone conclusions, without any guarantee of justice.

Even those who are not facing criminal charges end up trapped in deportation centers where the conditions are extreme. A Cuban reported on the treatment received in one of these places, highlighting the lack of humanity and the pressure to leave the country regardless of their situation.

The message was clear: "Go somewhere else," regardless of the rights or needs of the migrants.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of the Cuban Woman in Russia and Human Trafficking