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The forces of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) captured the two inmates who had escaped from the Canaleta prison in Ciego de Ávila, in an incident that had raised concerns about the evident vulnerabilities in prison security.
The information was released this Thursday on Facebook by the official profile Avileños de Corazón, which identified the detainees as Ángel Luis Torres Santana, alias “Michel,” and Idalberto Pérez Olivera, alias “Basurita.”
The inmates, classified as "fugitives from justice" by the authorities, had escaped from the correctional facility and were located following an operation by the MININT that, according to the source, was carried out "diligently" until their recapture was achieved.
The official profile, which celebrated the capture in a propagandistic tone, avoided specifying details about the exact location and circumstances of the arrest, as well as the duration of time both had been on the run.
On August 24th, a warning was issued that two inmates classified as highly dangerous escaped from the provincial prison in Ciego de Ávila, known as "Canaleta."
In addition, it was revealed that both inmates had a history of murder, extreme violence, and recidivism, which prompted the authorities to issue an official alert and seek public cooperation to facilitate their swift capture.
On social media, an informational sheet circulated featuring photos and criminal records of the two escapees, information that was initially shared by the news portal La Tijera and subsequently replicated by other profiles. The document caused alarm among the public by revealing the extent of the crimes committed by the fugitives.
The inmates were identified as Ángel Luis Torres Santana, 54 years old and sentenced to 28 years in prison, and Idalberto Pérez Olivera, alias “Basurita,” 27 years old, sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison. Both were serving sentences for serious crimes and had a history of reoffending.
Ángel Luis Torres Santana (identity card 71020826722, criminal record 37002469) was imprisoned on December 5, 2005, with a sentence of 28 years for murder, threats, contempt, and escape from custody.
His release was scheduled for February 14, 2037. Known for his violent nature, he was considered a habitual offender, without a permanent address and with connections in areas of Old Havana. His history of escapes made him a direct threat to public safety.
Idalberto Pérez Olivera, known as "Basurita" (identity card 88101422189, criminal record 26510004), was admitted on January 27, 2017, with a sentence of 16 years and 6 months for murder, armed robbery, assault, and illegal possession of a firearm.
His departure was scheduled for July 19, 2035. A resident of Batey Grúa Nueva, in the municipality of Primero de Enero, he was identified as a highly dangerous individual, with a history marked by violence and criminal recidivism.
Both Torres Santana and Pérez Olivera were listed among the highest-risk inmates in the country, which explains the speed with which official alerts were issued following their escape and the scale of the police operation to capture them.
In the case of Pérez, also known as "Basurita," this is not the first time he has managed to escape from prison. Last January, he successfully fled and was captured in the Grúa Nueva batey, located in the Primero de Enero municipality. He had a firearm with which he threatened neighbors to get drinks and food.
This episode highlights the inadequacy and precariousness of the Cuban prison system, which not only allowed the escape of two inmates classified as high-risk, but in the case of Idalberto Pérez Olivera, alias "Basurita," it is even more alarming that he managed to escape twice in the same year, exposing the fragility of the control mechanisms in the country's prisons.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Escape and Capture of Prisoners in Ciego de Ávila
How and when were the escaped inmates from the Canaleta prison captured?
The inmates were captured in an operation by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) that took place without pause. The escape occurred on August 24, and the capture was reported on August 28, 2025. The operation did not specify details about the exact location or the circumstances of the apprehension.
Who are Ángel Luis Torres Santana and Idalberto Pérez Olivera, the escaped inmates?
Ángel Luis Torres Santana, known as "Michel," is a 54-year-old inmate sentenced to 28 years in prison for murder, threats, contempt, and escape. Idalberto Pérez Olivera, known as "Basurita," is 27 years old and was sentenced to 16 and a half years for murder, burglary, assault, and illegal possession of a firearm. Both have a history of violence and repeat offenses.
What are the criticisms of the Cuban prison system following the escape of these inmates?
The Cuban penitentiary system has been criticized for its security failures and lack of control. The escape of two high-risk inmates highlights the vulnerability of the system and the absence of effective protocols to prevent and manage such incidents. Negligence in the police response has also been identified as a serious issue.
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