The Cuban government acknowledged on Tuesday that, although official figures show a downward trend in crime rates, levels of criminality remain high and the population continues to be dissatisfied with the results of the fight against illegal activities in the country.
During a meeting of the Group for Crime Prevention and Combat, chaired by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the behavior of crime indicators during the first half of 2025 was discussed.
The head of state acknowledged that "the trend is downward, but the indicators remain high” and called for a different assessment for the most affected territories.
The meeting addressed sensitive issues such as fuel theft, economic crimes, and drug trafficking, and it was acknowledged that some provinces have made little progress in reducing crime, while public dissatisfaction remains high.
Las Tunas, for example, reported more than 300 crimes in a single week in March, a figure that highlights the magnitude of the problem.
The prime minister also lashed out at fuel theft, labeling it as "unacceptable" that, amidst the national energy crisis, diversions continue to be detected at service stations and gas cylinders.
“It is unacceptable for the country to have a deficit in electricity generation due to a lack of fuel while allowing its theft,” Marrero reported.
Colonel Daniset González Sánchez of the National Revolutionary Police confirmed that there has been an increase in strong-arm robberies, although crimes associated with cattle have decreased. She highlighted more than 200 drug-related actions during the semester, as reported by the state-run newspaper Granma.
For his part, the Deputy Attorney General Reinaldo Cruz Rivera pointed out that, although many fines are imposed for criminal acts, the collection of these fines is not being carried out properly, which promotes impunity.
"It is necessary to supervise collection offices and taxing entities to ensure compliance with the law," he emphasized.
Despite the optimistic rhetoric, the figures contrast with the widespread perception of rising crime, fueled by constant citizen reports on social media about thefts, assaults, and violent crimes.
Authorities have maintained that there is an external campaign to "exaggerate the situation in the country," but the government itself has had to admit on several occasions that its "hardline" strategy has failed to contain crime.
The sustained increase in drug trafficking, the theft of electrical cables, the stealing of livestock, and the diversion of state resources have highlighted the failures of the internal control system, which has been weakened by corruption and a lack of effective oversight.
Citizen discontent is increasingly expressed on social media, while state media downplay or ignore the most alarming events.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Control in Cuba
What are the main crimes affecting Cuba in 2025?
The main crimes affecting Cuba in 2025 include fuel theft, economic crimes, drug trafficking, and livestock theft. Additionally, the removal of electrical cables and attacks on state entities are particularly concerning. These crimes reflect a lack of control and internal complicity within the system, exacerbated by the economic crisis and resource shortages. Despite the measures announced by the government, public perception is that crime remains high and control actions are insufficient.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to combat crime?
The Cuban government has announced an increase in actions to control and prevent crime. This includes the reactivation of surveillance detachments and rural patrols, as well as stricter punitive measures against drug trafficking and the theft of state resources. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questioned by ongoing citizen complaints and the government's own acknowledgment of persistently high levels of criminality. Furthermore, authorities have emphasized the need to strengthen internal control and oversight of collection offices to improve the enforcement of fines and avoid impunity.
How does corruption affect the issue of crime in Cuba?
Corruption is a key factor that exacerbates the issue of crime in Cuba. The lack of effective controls and internal complicity within state institutions allow crimes to persist and punitive measures to be ineffective. The government acknowledges internal management deficiencies that facilitate the diversion of resources and impunity, leading to public discontent and weakening trust in institutions. Despite official statements about "zero tolerance" towards corruption, the general perception is that the actions taken so far are insufficient to address the structural causes of the problem.
What is the public perception of crime in Cuba?
The citizens' perception of crime in Cuba is that it has increased, despite official figures indicating a reduction. Public dissatisfaction is high due to the belief that government measures are neither effective nor sufficient. Social media is filled with reports of thefts, assaults, and other crimes, while state media tend to minimize or ignore these incidents. This discontent is exacerbated by the lack of transparency and the prevailing perception of impunity in the country.
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