Related videos:
A Cuban citizen residing in the United States has fallen victim to an unusual form of extortion during his visit to the island: the loss of his Green Card has turned into a public attempt at blackmail by an individual demanding $4,000 to return the immigration document.
The complaint, initially aired on social media, has generated strong public backlash and raised alarms about the growing impunity with which certain individuals operate in Cuba
The incident came to light on a page for buying and selling on social media, where an anonymous person posted a photo of the United States Permanent Resident Card - with the numbers obscured, in accordance with the platform rules - along with a strong message:
"I found this residence, I am asking for 4,000 USD to return it. If anyone knows the owner, please write to me at 5 2732605, Havana, I can negotiate something directly."
The post immediately sparked outrage among users. Not only because of the illegality of the act, but also due to the blatant manner in which it openly proposed extortion with a foreign immigration document.
The name that appears on the Green Card matches that of Leonardo Peña de la Cruz, a 38-year-old Cuban who is an active social media user, and whose most recent posts show him specifically visiting Cuba.
The response from the blackmailed: "4 thousand, dream on."
In a story posted on his Facebook profile, Peña de la Cruz responded sarcastically to the extortionist's demands:
"Send me a Zelle, that's what the one who has my residence says. Hahaha, 4 thousand, dream on."
Her response reflects not only disbelief but a clear refusal to yield to the blackmail.
The publication has circulated widely among the Cuban community on social media and was picked up by the news portal La Tijera, which contextualized the case as a reflection of a broader crisis:
“This fact reflects the high level of corruption and impunity on the island, where even an official U.S. document is used as a tool for public blackmail,” he noted.
How did the theft of the Green Card happen?
Peña told journalist Mario J. Pentón, for Martí Noticias, that the incident occurred as he was returning to his home province, Guantánamo. During a stop to eat, unknown individuals broke the glass of his vehicle and stole his documents.
The Cuban confessed to Pentón that, in desperation, he offered a reward of 500 dollars on social media. However, he received a message demanding 4,000 dollars, which he deemed absurd.
"That's unusual, insane. No one is going to pay that amount. My advice is that no one should let themselves be extorted. Go directly to the United States Embassy; they will assist you perfectly," he warned the mentioned outlet.
Peña confirmed that the U.S. Embassy in Havana provided him with full support and has already scheduled his appointment to return to the U.S. without any major complications.
"I just left the embassy today with all my documents in order. Tomorrow I should receive the travel permit," he said with relief.
Reactions and advice: "Don't pay, go to the Consulate."
In the comments section of the post from La Tijera, dozens of internet users shared their opinions, criticisms of the extortionist, and recommendations for the victim.
A user clearly outlined the consular procedure for the loss of a Green Card:
“Instead, if I were the person who lost it, I would remind you to go to the United States Consulate in Havana and request a special document called a Boarding Foil (formerly known as boarding letter). With this document, it temporarily replaces the Green Card and allows you to board a flight back to the U.S.,” he detailed.
"You must present: a valid Cuban passport, proof of legal residency (copies of the Green Card, Alien number, etc.), passport-sized photos, and pay a fee (currently around 575 USD approximately). And it works out much better than giving 4000 USD to the opportunistic lazy Cuban who found you. And on top of that, you could report him to the police for being abusive!" he added.
Collective outrage and questions directed at the authorities
The case sparked a wave of criticism not only against the extortionist but also against the system of impunity in which these practices seem to proliferate.
“He is not able to say: let me return it and wait for the owner to give a reward, which I'm sure he will do on his own.
This is proof of why we are in the situation we are, and that not all Cubans, but many, profit from the pain and needs of others,” expressed a commentator.
Another user called for justice: "Well, the authorities in Cuba need to take action on this. This can be considered theft and extortion. For that reason, the person should be imprisoned and sentenced, and at the same time, the card should be recovered and returned to its owner."
“It is detestable, disgusting, and sad… humanity, kindness, and human values will be the most difficult to regain in this country”, declared another internet user.
Filed under: