Five members of a gang that was robbing homes and private businesses with firearms and ski masks in the provinces of Havana and Pinar del Río have been arrested, according to sources linked to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint).
The Facebook page “De Pinar Soy”, one of the many social media profiles managed by the Cuban regime as "media outlets," confirmed on Monday the arrest of an armed group that was engaged in violent robberies, although it did not specify when or where they were captured.
"We learned that five citizens are at 100 and Aldabó, behind bars, for their involvement together in several violent robbery offenses," the publication stated, accompanied by images from surveillance cameras that captured the thieves inside one of the properties.
He specified that the assailants entered homes while the residents were present and targeted private businesses, wearing balaclavas and carrying firearms, and even gagged their victims.
The note identified one of the detainees as Ángel (last name not provided), originally from Pinar del Río and residing in Havana, and noted that the rest, whose names were not disclosed, are natives of the Cuban capital. The now detained individuals "had caused trouble several times in both provinces," it emphasized.
The profile did not publish further details about the investigation that led to the arrest of the criminals. So far, neither authorities nor official media outlets have reported on the news.
The modus operandi of this gang is part of an alarming trend towards the possession and use of firearms, whether conventional or homemade, to commit criminal acts, which has been increasing in Cuba.
The Cuban government acknowledged in June 2024 a concerning increase in violence in the country, including the use of firearms. Colonel Eddy Sierra Arias, head of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), stated at that time that this phenomenon is linked to smuggling, drug trafficking, and a deterioration of ethical values in society.
Just a few days ago, news broke of the arrest in Matanzas of a man who threatened his partner with a shotgun during a domestic dispute.
At the end of June, the police arrested three individuals who robbed a house in the city of Santa Clara using a firearm and seriously injured one of its residents.
In Camagüey, a worker from the Agro-Commercial Products Wholesale Company was last March while guarding a warehouse of food intended for the basic basket.
A violent armed robbery occurred in February in Havana. Two criminals, one carrying a long gun, stole a motorcycle from a courier in a parking lot.
The police seized a homemade shotgun from a man with a criminal record for serious offenses in Matanzas.
In March of this year, the government approved a decree that establishes new regulations to strengthen control over firearms, accessories, and ammunition, in a context of alarming growth in cases of violent incidents involving firearms.
Frequently asked questions about crime and the use of firearms in Cuba
Which band was recently captured in Pinar del Río and Havana?
Five members of a gang that targeted homes and private businesses with firearms and ski masks in Havana and Pinar del Río have been arrested. This capture takes place against a backdrop of rising violence and weapon use in Cuba.
What has been the response of the Cuban regime to the increase in violence?
The Cuban regime approved a decree law in March 2025 to , justifying this measure as part of an effort to enhance security on the island. However, despite these regulations, violence and the use of firearms continue to rise.
How has the economic crisis influenced the increase in crime in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has exacerbated criminal activity. The lack of resources and the deterioration of living conditions have been identified as factors contributing to the increase in crime, creating a climate of insecurity among the population.
What measures has the Cuban police taken to address recent crime?
The Cuban police have conducted police operations in several provinces, successfully capturing criminals involved in violent robberies. However, the public remains concerned about the effectiveness of these actions in the face of the ongoing increase in violence and insecurity.
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