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Leonardo Peña de la Cruz, a Cuban permanent resident in the United States, reported that he was a victim of theft on the island and that criminals attempted to extort him by asking for $4,000 in exchange for returning his green card, which was found posted in a buy and sell group on Facebook.
Peña told journalist Mario J. Pentón, for Martí Noticias, that the incident occurred when he was returning to his home province, Guantánamo.
During a lunch break, unknown individuals broke the glass of their vehicle and stole the documents.
Shortly after, in the group "Car Sales in Havana," a photo of her residence was posted with the registration number covered, along with a contact number for negotiating its return.
The Cuban confessed to Pentón that, desperate, 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 unbelievable, crazy. No one is going to pay that amount. My advice is for no one to let themselves be extorted. Go directly to the U.S. Embassy; they assist you perfectly there," he warned the cited medium.
Peña stated 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 major complications: “Today I left the embassy with all my paperwork in order. Tomorrow I should receive the travel permit,” he said with relief.
The immigration lawyer Ismael Labrador explained to Martí Noticias that in these cases, it is advisable to file a complaint with the Cuban police and provide evidence of the attempted extortion.
With that documentation, the person affected can travel without having physical residency and, upon arriving in the United States, request an I-193 waiver, which may be free or cost up to 685 dollars, and then replace the green card using form I-90.
The experience, which Peña described as "bitter," led him to recommend that other travelers take extra precautions on the island: "Don't leave anything in plain sight inside the cars, not even a cap. The situation is very bad and people are on edge."
Frequently Asked Questions about Extortion and Document Theft in Cuba
What happened to Leonardo Peña de la Cruz and his Green Card in Cuba?
Leonardo Peña de la Cruz, a Cuban resident in the United States, was a victim of theft during his visit to the island, where his Green Card was stolen. Subsequently, criminals attempted to extort him by demanding $4,000 for the return of the document. The card was posted in a buying and selling group on Facebook, along with a contact number to negotiate its return.
What do you recommend doing in case of losing a Green Card in Cuba?
In the event of losing a Green Card in Cuba, it is recommended to visit the United States Embassy in Havana for assistance. Additionally, it is advisable to file a report with the Cuban police and provide evidence of the attempted extortion. With this documentation, one can request an I-193 waiver upon arriving in the U.S., allowing for reentry without physical residency.
Why is it important not to give in to extortion over stolen documents in Cuba?
Ceding to extortion fosters impunity and can perpetuate this type of crime on the island. The most advisable course of action is not to pay and to seek support from consular authorities. In the case of Leonardo Peña, the U.S. embassy provided the necessary support to resolve his situation without having to give in to blackmail.
How does insecurity in Cuba affect Cuban Americans who visit the island?
The increasing insecurity in Cuba is affecting Cuban Americans who visit the island, especially through thefts and extortions of personal documents. This phenomenon exposes travelers to significant immigration risks, as losing important documents like the Green Card can complicate their return to the United States and cause them legal and financial problems.
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