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A user identified as Yaileny Robaina reported in the Facebook group Revolico Camagüey 2025 the loss of a U.S. permanent resident card (Green Card) and a passport.
"Those who may have found this American residence card and the passport at the Camagüey airport are kindly urged to come forward, as this document is extremely important for returning to the U.S. We are desperate to locate it, and we would appreciate it if you could share this in all groups," reads the post accompanied by an image of the document and a contact number for any information.
Later, in the same group, they shared a screenshot showing an anonymous post in the "Better Sales of Everything in Camagüey" group with the same photo of the lost document asking for 5,000 dollars.
"They just published this, someone has it and is asking for that amount of money, humanity has been lost (they gave this number 51433394, someone who works at ETECSA should find the owner of that current number or the group administrators know who it was under anonymity," they reported."
In the same group, another anonymous profile claimed to have the document, requested the same amount to return it, but instead of a mobile number provided an email contact.
The situation has sparked outrage among users. Some reported that the phone number used in the post had previously appeared in alleged scams related to MLC transactions. Others believed it could be an attempt at fraud without actually having the document in their possession: “That’s a lie, I don’t think they have it, because if you notice, the photo they posted is the same one that was shared when the loss was reported,” a user commented.
In the comments, a user who could be the victim's mother based on her last name stated that they have already gone to the police and also reached out to the U.S. embassy. Several participants advised against sending money and suggested using official channels. One user wrote: “Don't pay anything. Go to the American embassy or consulate. They will give you a letter with which you can enter the U.S., and you can get your residency back here.”
The incident recalls a similar case that occurred in Havana at the end of August, when another Cuban reported that he was demanded $4,000 to get his Green Card back. On that occasion, the victim rejected the extortion and stated that the U.S. consulate in the capital offered support to help him return to the United States without the document.
The recurrence of these incidents has raised concerns among social media users, where some are warning about a potential criminal practice aimed at taking advantage of the loss of migration documents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Extortion and Document Theft in Cuba
What is happening with the lost residency cards in Cuba?
In Cuba, there is a reported increase in cases of extortion related to lost U.S. residency cards. Individuals who find these documents demand large sums of money to return them, taking advantage of the desperation of the victims who need to return to the United States.
What should the victims of these extortions do in Cuba?
Victims of extortion in Cuba should contact the authorities and the U.S. embassy. It is important not to give in to the demands of blackmailers and to use official channels to resolve the situation. The embassy can provide support and guidance for returning to the United States without the lost document.
Is it safe to offer rewards for lost documents in Cuba?
Offering rewards can be risky in Cuba, as there is a criminal pattern where thieves expect victims to offer money and then blackmail them. The best course of action is to report the loss to the authorities and seek consular support if necessary.
How can people protect their personal documents when traveling to Cuba?
To protect your personal documents while traveling to Cuba, it is recommended to not carry them unnecessarily and to keep them in secure places. Additionally, it is helpful to have digital copies of important documents and to remain vigilant against potential theft.
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