Alert: Two high-risk prisoners escape from the provincial prison in Ciego de Ávila

The escape took place on August 24th.

The two escaped prisoners and a suspected image of one of them in CampechuelaPhoto © Social media collage

Two inmates classified as high-risk escaped on August 24 from the provincial prison of Ciego de Ávila, known as "Canaleta."

The escaped inmates have a history of murder, extreme violence, and repeat offenses, which has led authorities to issue an official alert and request public assistance for their swift capture.

An informational sheet is circulating on social media that displays the photos and details of the backgrounds of the two prisoners.

The information, initially shared on the news portal La Tijera, and replicated by other profiles on social media, has caused alarm among the population and highlights the structural flaws of the Cuban prison system.

The two escapees are Ángel Luis Torres Santana, 54 years old with a 28-year sentence, and Idalberto Pérez Olivera (alias “Basurita”), 27 years old and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Other details about the escaped inmates

Ángel Luis Torres Santana.

ID card: 71020826722.

Criminal case file: 37002469.

Sentence: 28 years for Murder, Threat, Contempt, and Escape from Prison.

Date of admission: December 5, 2005.

Expected graduation date: February 14, 2037.

Profile: Multi-recidivist, without legal residence, linked to areas of Old Havana

With a history marked by violence and escape, Torres Santana poses a direct threat to public safety.

Idalberto Pérez Olivera, also known as "Basurita"

Identity card: 88101422189.

Criminal file: 26510004.

Sentence: 16 years and 6 months for Murder, Armed Robbery, Assault, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm.

Admission date: January 27, 2017.

Expected graduation date: July 19, 2035.

Residence: Batey Grúa Nueva, municipality of Primero de Enero.

Known as "Basurita," Pérez Olivera also has a violent history and is considered a high risk to society.

Source: Facebook Capture/La Tijera

First trace: Ángel Luis Torres Santana in Campechuela

Citizen reports indicate that Ángel Luis Torres Santana was allegedly seen in Campechuela, Granma province, just a few hours after his escape.

Witnesses claim he appeared at a local eatery in the municipality, where he nervously asked for food while pretending to stutter.

According to the owner of the establishment, the man was shirtless and was not known in the area. Upon noticing his suspicious behavior, he was ejected.

Later, upon reviewing the videos from the security cameras and comparing them with photos circulated on social media, he identified that it could be the fugitive.

Although, according to the report, the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) were notified immediately, their response was negligent: they initially ignored the alert and only after insistence did they respond that they would "call the chief."

So far, they have not come to the site to verify the images.

Telephone lines for citizen collaboration

The public is urged not to confront the fugitives, and the following phone numbers have been established to provide information about their whereabouts:

33-273111.

33-273112.

33-273113.

33-273037.

Citizen security in decline

The escape of two inmates with a history of murder and other violent crimes adds to a growing perception of insecurity in the province of Ciego de Ávila and the country.

Cuba is experiencing a significant deterioration of public order, with frequent reports of violence, assaults, and unpunished crimes.

This episode is not isolated but rather part of a deeper crisis in the Cuban prison and judicial system, which lacks transparency, effective response protocols, and rigorous internal control.

The lack of immediate action by the police in response to the sighting of one of the escapees reinforces the notion that institutions are not prioritizing public safety.

Beyond the local impact, this situation once again reveals a troubling reality: the regime responds efficiently to opponents, but with indifference to real threats that directly affect citizens.

Until this closes, there is no additional official information regarding the case.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Escape of Dangerous Prisoners in Ciego de Ávila and Security in Cuba

Who are the escaped prisoners from the Ciego de Ávila prison?

The escaped prisoners are Ángel Luis Torres Santana and Idalberto Pérez Olivera, known as "Basurita". Both have a history of violent crimes, including murder, and are considered highly dangerous. Torres Santana was sentenced to 28 years for murder, threats, contempt, and escaping from custody, while Pérez Olivera is serving a sentence of 16 years and 6 months for murder, armed robbery, assault, and illegal possession of a firearm.

What actions is the police taking to capture the fugitives?

The authorities have issued an official alert and are requesting citizen collaboration for the capture of the fugitives. Phone lines have been established to receive information about the whereabouts of the fugitives, but the police response has been criticized for its slowness and lack of effectiveness. In one reported case, the police were informed of a sighting of one of the escaped individuals, but did not act promptly.

How does this leak affect the perception of security in Cuba?

The escape of these prisoners increases the perception of insecurity in Cuba, as it adds to a series of reported incidents of violence and crime in the country. The population feels that institutions do not prioritize their safety, and this escape highlights the failings of the Cuban penitentiary and judicial system. The deterioration of public order is a growing problem on the island.

What is the current status of the investigations regarding the escape?

Until now, there is no additional official information regarding the progress of the investigations to capture the fugitives. The lack of immediate action and the absence of official statements reinforce the perception of ineffectiveness and negligence on the part of the Cuban authorities. This contributes to the growing concern about security in the country.

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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.