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The individuals responsible for the murder of a bicitaxi driver were arrested in Bayamo.
"The assassins took advantage of the fact that their victim was riding in his bicitaxi during the early morning and, in order to rob him, they beat him mercilessly," said the official profile El Cubano Fiel on Facebook.
The incident took place in the park of the Latinoamericano neighborhood in Bayamo.
The assailants intended to rob the victim of the bicycle taxi and their belongings, which is why they struck them several times.
The bicitaxi driver arrived at the hospital in serious condition.
"After several days of medical care at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes hospital, the victim passed away," the information states.
After several days of investigation, those responsible have finally been apprehended, it concludes.
The Cuban regime insists that crime is on the decline, but the figures tell a different story. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that “the trend is downward, but the indicators remain high.”
However, the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) reported 1,319 verified crimes between January and June of 2025, almost five times more than in the same period of 2023 and more than in all of 2024, which equates to 7.3 crimes per day, a historical record that reflects the escalation of crime and the diversification of criminal typologies on the island.
Among the main results are highlighted 721 thefts, including 193 cases of livestock theft and slaughter, confirming the direct relationship between the food crisis and crime. Additionally, 63 murders were documented, with victims including women, minors, and the elderly, of which 16 were femicides.
This Saturday, it was reported that the lifeless bodies of Francisco Torres Rodríguez, aged 80, and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio, aged 46, were found on a farm in the mountainous area of the municipality of Candelaria, in the province of Artemisa.
The discovery, reported by the official local newspaper El Artemiseño, took place at a site known as finca El Cusco, in the community of Las Terrazas.
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Artemisa confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that, so far, the identity of those responsible for the violent act is unknown.
Frequently asked questions about the rise in crime in Cuba and recent cases of violence
What happened to the bicycle taxi driver who was murdered in Bayamo?
The bike taxi driver was brutally beaten during an attempted robbery while working early in the morning in Bayamo. Although he was taken to the hospital in serious condition, he passed away after several days of medical care. Those responsible for the crime were eventually apprehended following an investigation.
How is crime evolving in Cuba in 2025?
Despite the claims of the Cuban regime regarding a reduction in crime, the figures from the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) indicate a significant increase in crimes in 2025, with 1,319 verified crimes between January and June, which is almost five times more than in the same period of 2023. This increase includes a rise in robberies, murders, and other violent crimes.
What is the relationship between the economic crisis and the rise in crime in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba is directly linked to the rise in crime. The scarcity of food and the economic collapse have led to an increase in thefts and the illegal slaughter of livestock. Furthermore, the lack of effective protection and the deterioration of the social security system have left many citizens in vulnerable situations, fostering an increase in violence and insecurity.
What actions is the Cuban government taking to combat crime?
The Cuban government has indicated that it is implementing control and prevention measures, such as patrols and the reactivation of surveillance units. However, these actions have been criticized for their lack of effectiveness, as the police focus more on repressing political dissent than on ensuring public safety. The disconnect between government priorities and the actual criminal reality has been identified as a factor that exacerbates the situation.
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