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In several municipalities of Santiago de Cuba, a type of scam involving the so-called "chaperos" has emerged, where men travel in passenger trucks to carry out the well-known game of chapas and deceive pedestrians and travelers.
This practice, increasingly common in the province, leaves a trail of victims who lose money, jewelry, and other personal belongings, journalist Yosmany Mayeta warned on Facebook, emphasizing the impunity with which these scammers operate.
The method of these fraudsters is always similar: they board the transport in groups of two or three, pretending not to know each other, and start betting small amounts among themselves to capture the attention of the other passengers.
Once they manage to involve outsiders, they raise the stakes and employ techniques that guarantee their victory.
The result is almost always the same: the victims end up handing over cash, chains, watches, or other valuable belongings.
"I have seen women who have to hand over chains and watches; it's unjust when that happens. But the police never take action, and they know it well," reported a resident of Palma Soriano, as cited by the communicator.
The lack of police intervention and the recurrence of these incidents in areas such as San Luis, Palma Soriano, and the municipality itself fuel the perception of impunity.
In a subsequent report, Mayeta identified Orlando Villalón as one of these repeat "chaperos."
According to citizen reports, Villalón resides in the town of Dos Caminos, in the municipality of San Luis, and a few months ago regained his freedom after serving a sentence in Havana for a fraud case.
Despite his history, he was recently seen operating a truck bound for Palma Soriano, employing the same tactics to deceive passengers.
The victims describe scenes in which the "chaperos" surround the unsuspecting player, control the flow of the bet, and manipulate the position of the chip to ensure that no one else can win.
In some cases, when a person does not have enough cash on hand, peer pressure leads them to hand over jewelry or personal items as a form of payment.
In light of the lack of visible actions to curb this phenomenon, the independent journalist warned the public to avoid getting involved in these games in public spaces and to alert other passersby if they witness such activities, to prevent further victims.
“It is urgent to act and put an end to these scams,” concluded Mayeta, who insisted that the “chaperos” operate in plain sight of the authorities, moving freely from one municipality to another without facing any consequences.
In the current context of Cuba, marked by economic precariousness, crimes of fraud and impersonation have proliferated in diverse spaces such as hospitals, transport centers, and public vehicles.
This rise in crime is not a coincidence, but rather one of the visible consequences of the social deterioration resulting from the crisis. A fake transportation inspector was arrested in Holguín after showing up at stations and boarding points demanding money from drivers under the threat of fines, while wearing a fake uniform.
In the same way, in hospitals in the same province, fake nurses have attempted to scam the relatives of patients in moments of vulnerability. In one instance, a woman was caught posing as medical personnel to obtain money in exchange for supposed urgent procedures.
The Deception even included the use of white coats and a carefully crafted speech, demonstrating the level of organization with which some of these scammers operate.
In Matanzas, a man was
Another woman was arrested for posing as an inspector at a state center, according to local press reports, demanding payments in exchange for not imposing penalties.
The amounts involved are not always small. In Holguín, a man was accused of defrauding two million pesos after deceiving multiple victims with false promises of legal procedures and financial benefits.
These types of cases, which are becoming increasingly frequent, illustrate the extent to which desperation and a lack of institutional control have eroded the ethical and legal barriers among the populace.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scams in Santiago de Cuba
What are "chaperos" and how do they operate in Santiago de Cuba?
The "chaperos" are con artists who operate on passenger trucks in Santiago de Cuba. They use a game of chance to deceive pedestrians and travelers, getting them to bet money or hand over valuable belongings. They work in groups and manipulate the game to ensure their victory, leaving victims without money or possessions.
Why doesn't the police intervene against the scams from the "chaperos"?
The police have not taken effective measures to stop the "chaperos", which creates a perception of impunity among citizens. Despite the reports, these scammers continue to operate freely in various municipalities of Santiago de Cuba.
What measures can the population take to protect themselves from "chaperos"?
The population can protect itself by refraining from participating in gambling activities in public places and alerting other passengers about the presence of "chaperos". Additionally, it is important to report any suspicious activity to prevent new victims.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect the increase in scams and crimes?
The economic crisis in Cuba has created a conducive environment for the rise of scams and crimes. The economic hardship and lack of institutional control have eroded ethical and legal barriers, increasing crime rates in various areas such as public transport and hospitals.
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