Related videos:
Five executives of the Agro-Supply Company of Sancti Spíritus were sanctioned for offenses of negligence and embezzlement that resulted in losses exceeding 97 million pesos; following the scandal, family members and close associates of one of the main accused came to her defense on social media.
According to the independent newspaper 14yMedio, based on comments from family members on this media’s social networks, the daughter of the entity's director — identified by the initials D.S. and sentenced to 20 years in prison — stated that her mother was a victim of injustice, as she had been suffering from reactive hepatitis for several months and was unable to perform her duties.
During that period, he stated, sales were made by the company “behind their backs” to a supposed representative of a local project who turned out to be a scammer.
The man acquired goods and then left the country without paying. “They were judged for embezzlement despite not having taken any money, they only sold to a guy who never paid and left the country. Now I wonder: is it ethical to demoralize a human being like this without knowing exactly what happened?” wrote the daughter, according to a report by 14yMedio.
Other associates reinforced this account, claiming to be witnesses of the official's illness and describing her as a “great woman who always defended the revolution.”
A family friend criticized that while people like D.S. are severely condemned, “we pay homage to those who keep us stealing and scheming to get by in that cursed country, allowing them to continue without repercussions.”
On social media, the exchange became controversial: while some demanded harsher punishments, family and friends defended the accused, insisting that what happened was a scam and not an act of embezzlement.
The defense has promised to take the case "as far as it needs to go" to have what they consider the true truth recognized.
The case: losses of over 97 million pesos
During the hearings that took place on August 22 and 23 in the Criminal Chamber of the Provincial People's Court of Sancti Spíritus, facts were revealed that occurred between 2023 and 2024 which involved both negligence in resource management and irregular contracts with external actors, causing millions in damages to the company.
One of the most notable episodes was related to the refrigerator of meat products intended for the internal consumption of the workers, located in the supplies warehouse of the UEB Comercializadora y Servicios.
On two occasions, the camera experienced mechanical failures that prevented the necessary cooling from being maintained. Despite being aware of the severity of the problem, the management did not implement effective alternatives to save large quantities of salami, sardines, hamburger patties, ground beef and pork, as well as fish fillets.
The most significant economic case was related to operations involving the supposed self-employed worker, a fraudster, who presented himself as a representative of a Local Development Project.
Despite the regulation that requires immediate payment for goods, the officials delivered supplies on several occasions without any payment, trusting that these operations could improve the entity's income and ensure payment to the workers.
The individual appropriated products worth over 94 million pesos and left the country, making it impossible to recover the money.
The imposed sanctions were exemplary: the former general director, who held the position until April 2024, received 20 years of imprisonment; the director of the UEB Comercializadora was sentenced to 18 years; the commercial director, to 16; and the legal advisor, to 10.
The former general director, who was in charge in 2023, was sentenced to two years and six months of imprisonment, replaced by correctional work with internment.
Frequently asked questions about the embezzlement case in Sancti Spíritus
What crimes are attributed to the executives of the Agricultural Supplies Company of Sancti Spíritus?
The executives are charged with crimes of negligence and embezzlement that caused losses exceeding 97 million pesos. These crimes stemmed from a lack of oversight and irregular contracts with external parties, resulting in significant economic damage to the state-owned company.
What was the role of the former director D.S. in the embezzlement case?
The former director, identified as D.S., was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Her family claims that during the time in question, she was ill and unable to perform her duties, so the fraudulent sales were conducted behind her back by a con artist who later left the country without paying.
What legal measures were taken against those involved in the Sancti Spíritus case?
The imposed sanctions were exemplary: the former general director received 20 years in prison, the director of the UEB Comercializadora got 18 years, the commercial director 16, and the legal advisor 10. Additionally, they were subjected to accessory measures such as a prohibition on leaving the country and the obligation to compensate for the losses caused to the company.
How have the family and close friends of D.S. reacted to the sentence?
The family and close friends of D.S. have expressed their support on social media, arguing that the conviction is an injustice and that D.S. was a victim of a scam, not embezzlement. They have promised to take the case to higher authorities to have what they consider the true truth recognized.
Filed under: