A new act of vandalism was reported this Sunday by Banco Metropolitano S.A. (BANMET), which denounced the attack on one of its ATMs at branch 300, located at the intersection of Diez de Octubre and Lacret, in the municipality of Diez de Octubre, Havana.
The event, which occurred the night before, was described by the institution on its Facebook profile as an action that “openly threatens public tranquility and security” and emphasized that this type of incident “does not represent our hardworking people.”
However, the entity acknowledged the context of accumulated dissatisfaction due to the cash shortage and the widespread deterioration of its network of ATMs.
According to BANMET, this type of attack has forced the entity to secure ATMs within branches or close access outside of business hours, further limiting the already scarce availability of cash for the population.
"With the endorsement of having the largest network of ATMs in the country (around 525), the number of these machines has decreased as of now due to technological obsolescence, the impossibility of repair due to the unavailability of replacement parts, and the urgent need for their definitive replacement," the official statement emphasized.
In recent months, the banking situation in Cuba has become critical, especially in the capital.
Citizens experience true ordeals to collect their pensions, as in the case of a retired journalist who described the endless queues and constant malfunctions in the systems.
This is accompanied by prior warnings from Banco Metropolitano itself, which back in May raised concerns about serious limitations in service availability.
The causes of the deterioration are multiple: Banmet refers to the technological obsolescence of the ATMs, the inability to repair or replace parts, the lack of circulating cash, and a decline in the workforce of the banking system.
It also blames the "U.S. financial blockade" for restricting the renewal of equipment.
Despite the limitations, the bank assures that it continues to install new ATMs, develop digital services, and invest in remote banking.
But in practice, the current network is insufficient and dysfunctional for real demand, especially in densely populated areas like Havana.
In this context of economic crisis, vandalism against ATMs seems to emerge as a form of protest driven by desperation, rather than just an act of simple delinquency.
However, these actions, far from alleviating the situation, end up exacerbating access to cash and penalize the very citizens who need the service.
The Metropolitan Bank concluded its statement by urging not to remain indifferent to these events and assuring that they will continue to work on improving their services.
Frequently Asked Questions about ATM Attacks in Cuba
Why are there attacks on ATMs in Havana?
The attacks on ATMs in Havana are a reaction to the economic crisis and cash shortage affecting the population. The deterioration of the ATM network and the lack of parts for repairs have led to great dissatisfaction among citizens, who face long queues and difficulties accessing their money.
What measures has the Metropolitan Bank taken in response to the increase in vandalism?
The Metropolitan Bank has decided to secure the ATMs within the branches or close accesses outside of business hours to protect them from future attacks. However, these measures further limit access to cash for the public.
How does the deterioration of the ATM network affect Cuban citizens?
The deterioration of the ATM network complicates access to cash for Cuban citizens, who must face long lines and constant equipment failures. This has led to significant frustration and discontent among the population, especially in the context of an economic crisis.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the cash shortage?
The Cuban government, through its institutions, has blamed the private sector for the cash shortage, claiming that its activities create a money extraction effect in the banks. However, the institutions themselves acknowledge issues such as equipment obsolescence and a lack of spare parts, which complicates the situation.
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