Suspected perpetrators of a million-dollar robbery arrested amidst a blackout in Sancti Spíritus

Two men with criminal records confessed to robbing a small business in Sancti Spíritus during a blackout, along with two other accomplices. The loot included motors, scooters, phones, and 2.5 million pesos, part of which has already been recovered. The Prosecutor's Office has ordered their provisional detention.

The accused remain in the provincial criminal investigation unit, under provisional custodyPhoto © Escambray

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In the city of Sancti Spíritus, the alleged perpetrators of a million-dollar robbery at the wholesale mipyme Lancervi were arrested and have confessed. The crime occurred in the early hours of July 11, when a power outage and lack of surveillance allowed the individuals to enter through the roof of the establishment.

According to the head of the provincial criminal investigation department, Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Rodríguez Carmenate, the operation carried out by the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) led to the capture of the two men, “with criminal records and negative social behavior,” who “confessed to their involvement in the robbery and implicated two other citizens, who were also arrested.”

He pointed out that the actions were made possible by information from the public, including anonymous reports.

According to the report from Radio Sancti Spíritus, one of the suspects transported part of the stolen money in a cart to his home, while another acted as an intermediary in the purchase of vehicles used in the investigation.

Both would have received substantial amounts for their participation.

During the investigations, assets obtained with the stolen money were seized: two combustion engines of 125cc and 200cc valued at over one million pesos each, two electric scooters, five high-end mobile phones, clothing, a cart, and 2.5 million pesos in cash.

The modus operandi described by the authorities revealed that the thieves climbed to the roof, opened a zinc tile, and entered the premises, taking advantage of the fact that one of them had worked at the site and knew where the cash was stored. Fingerprints at the scene matched those of the accused.

The accused remain in the provincial unit for criminal investigation, under provisional detention and charged with theft with force, while inquiries continue into their possible connection with other similar crimes in the city, the source specified.

In early June, the official press in Sancti Spíritus reported on the dismantling by Minint forces of a network involved in the theft and illegal resale of liquefied gas canisters between January and May of this year.

By the way, the Attorney General's Office of the Republic then confirmed that it was investigating criminal processes in Havana and Sancti Spíritus for the theft of essential goods for the population, in a context of rising social discontent due to the increase in corruption at all levels, lack of oversight, rising prices of basic products, and impunity in strategic sectors.

In this regard, it was reported that in the municipality of Habana del Este, 197 bags of powdered milk were stolen from a state-owned warehouse. The batch was intended for regulated distribution to children under the age of two, one of the most vulnerable groups amid the current crisis.

The Cuban citizenship has expressed its increasing concern about the rise in crime in various areas of the country, especially violent robberies, assaults, and thefts in broad daylight.

This type of incident sparks a debate about citizen security in Cuba, where many citizens feel increasingly vulnerable in the face of criminals' impunity.

In one of the most recent events, a young Cuban teacher reported the violent assault she suffered near her home on the night of August 8, just before her 30th birthday.

Additionally, the Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, reported the theft of her neighbors' lada in Havana and requested assistance to locate it.

In the early morning of Sunday, August 4, journalist and Doctor of Science Enrique Pérez Fumero, an employee of the official broadcaster CMKC and a university professor, was brutally assaulted in Santiago de Cuba during a robbery.

Authorities arrested six men two days later involved in the murder of a guard and the near-fatal assault of another, during a robbery at an agricultural cooperative in the municipality of Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, official sources confirmed this Wednesday.

The Cuban government has acknowledged a worrying increase in criminal violence on the island, including the use of firearms. In this regard, it has vowed to enforce exemplary trials against those who commit serious offenses, especially those occurring within state institutions.

Frequently asked questions about the rise in crime in Cuba

What happened in the million-dollar robbery in Sancti Spíritus?

In Sancti Spíritus, the alleged culprits of a million-dollar theft from the wholesale micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise Lancervi were arrested. The criminals took advantage of a power outage to enter through the roof of the establishment and steal cash and high-value goods. Authorities were able to apprehend them thanks to citizen reports.

What is the impact of the rise in crime in Cuba?

The rising crime in Cuba is causing concern among citizens, who feel increasingly vulnerable. The population is alarmed by violent robberies and assaults, reflecting a security crisis on the island. This phenomenon is linked to the economic and social crisis that the country is experiencing.

What measures is the Cuban government taking to combat crime?

The Cuban government has intensified police operations and has promised to implement exemplary trials for those who commit serious crimes. However, these actions have not succeeded in curbing the rise in crime, which has led to criticisms regarding the effectiveness of the measures taken.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.