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The Cuban regime insists that crime is on the decline, but the figures contradict this. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on July 31 during a meeting of the Group for Crime Prevention and Confrontation, where he stated that “the trend is downward, but the indicators remain high.”
However, the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) reported 1,319 verified crimes between January and June 2025, nearly five times more than in the same period of 2023 and surpassing the total for all of 2024, which amounts to 7.3 crimes per day, a historical record that reflects the rise in crime rates and the diversification of criminal typologies on the island.
Among the main results, 721 thefts stand out, including 193 related to the theft and slaughter of livestock, confirming the direct link between the food crisis and crime. Additionally, 63 murders were documented, with victims including women, minors, and the elderly, of which 16 were femicides.
In addition, there are 99 cases of assaults and attacks, with a higher incidence in Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba, along with 198 reports of drug trafficking, more than half of which are concentrated in the capital. For the first time, these cases are being classified as an independent category due to the significant growth of this phenomenon. Finally, there are 238 various crimes, including vandalism, illegal possession of firearms, and smuggling
A total of 1,588 people participated in these crimes, of whom 90 percent were men, while the victims included men, women, children, and the elderly, confirming a widespread impact of violence
The report identifies risk factors such as the increasing availability of firearms, with at least 35 documented cases, the expansion of drug trafficking with a tendency to consolidate in urban networks, and the rise in property and livestock crimes driven by food shortages and economic collapse
The OCAC argues that the insecurity crisis in Cuba cannot be separated from the disconnect between the priorities of the Ministry of the Interior and the criminal reality.
Common crime is expanding while the police focus their resources on monitoring political dissent and suppressing civic protests, subordinated to the interests of the military-business elite of GAESA, which turns the security forces into a more mafioso arm rather than a guarantor of public order.
The recent leak of GAESA's multi-million dollar accounts in tax havens mentioned in the report illustrates how the leadership preserves its privileges while the citizens find themselves trapped in a double insecurity: that of common criminals and the repressive apparatus itself
The situation contradicts Marrero's statements about a supposed decrease in crime. On the contrary, the data shows a rapid deterioration of public safety, with increasingly violent crimes and the expansion of drug trafficking.
This is compounded by the deepening of social and economic factors that fuel crime, in a context where the State prioritizes political repression for its own survival rather than the actual security of the Cuban people.
The official discourse on crime in Cuba has been contradictory and changing. At the beginning of 2024, the regime went so far as to publicly deny that there was an increase in crimes, despite the rising tide of thefts and murders reported by the citizens.
However, just a few months later, the authorities themselves had to admit the obvious: violence was on the rise, even involving the use of firearms.
In June, the government acknowledged that crimes were on the rise, including illegal firearms, a fact that marked a shift in the official narrative.
Soon after, Díaz-Canel personally acknowledged not only the rise in crime but also in addictions, linking both phenomena to the social decline of the country.
However, the attempt to downplay the crisis resurfaced in October, when it was claimed that crime was decreasing, in blatant contradiction to public perception and independent press reports.
Finally, at the end of December, the government had to admit that crime rates remained high, although it attempted to downplay the severity of the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Increase in Crime in Cuba in 2025
What is the current situation of crime in Cuba in 2025?
In 2025, crime in Cuba has reached alarming levels. According to the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC), 1,319 crimes were reported in the first six months of the year, representing nearly five times more than in the same period of 2023. This includes a significant increase in thefts, murders, and drug trafficking, reflecting an accelerated deterioration of public safety on the island.
What factors are driving the increase in crime in Cuba?
The increase in crime in Cuba is related to several factors, including the economic crisis and food shortages, which have led to a rise in property and livestock crimes. Additionally, the expansion of drug trafficking and the growing availability of firearms contribute to the criminal landscape. The disconnect between the priorities of the Ministry of the Interior and the reality of crime also plays a crucial role in this issue.
How is the rise in crime affecting the Cuban population?
The Cuban population is broadly affected by the rise in criminality, with victims including men, women, children, and the elderly. The provinces of Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba are the most impacted, with a significant increase in robberies and assaults. The perception of insecurity has grown, and citizen discontent is reflected in the frequent reports on social media and alternative media outlets.
What is the Cuban government's response to the rise in crime?
The Cuban government insists that there is a downward trend in crime, although it acknowledges that the indicators remain high. The security forces seem to be more focused on suppressing political dissent than on combating common crime. Additionally, new regulations have been implemented regarding gun control, but the impact of these measures is questionable given the reality of rising crime on the island.
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