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The United States Embassy in Havana issued a security alert on Monday for its citizens and legal permanent residents traveling to Cuba, following the detection of an increase in the theft of passports and Green Cards, as well as cases of extortion where money is demanded in exchange for their return.
"The Embassy of the United States has noted an increase in the theft of U.S. travel documents in Cuba, including permanent resident cards (green cards)," states the official statement. "Victims have reported cases of extortion, in which large sums of money are demanded for the return of the stolen documents."
According to the embassy, the situation is related to the deterioration of economic conditions, which has led to a rise in petty crimes such as bag snatching, wallet theft, and belongings being stolen from vehicles, as well as violent crimes like armed robberies and homicides.
Cases of blackmail over lost Green Cards are rising
In recent weeks, users on social media have reported cases in which anonymous individuals demanded between 4,000 and 5,000 dollars to return lost immigration documents. In a case that occurred in Havana, an image of a Green Card was posted on a buying and selling page with a message asking for 4,000 USD in exchange for its return, along with a contact number and a supposed willingness to "negotiate something" in person.
In another reported case in Camagüey, a user reported the loss of her Green Card and a passport at the airport. Shortly after, another post on social media used the same image of the document and demanded $5,000 to return it. Some internet users warned that the phone number used had already been associated with previous scams, which raised suspicions of a possible criminal pattern.
Safety recommendations for travelers
The embassy, for its part, has issued a series of recommendations to prevent these crimes:
- Stay alert at all times and avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- Do not carry unnecessary travel documents and store them in secure locations.
- Make digital copies of important documents before traveling.
- Do not offer rewards for lost documents, as this may encourage extortion.
- Report any incident immediately to local authorities and the embassy.
- Report the theft of passports and request provisional travel documents if necessary.
It also emphasizes that it can provide consular guidance and facilitate provisional documents for returning to the U.S. in case of loss of immigration documents.
Those in need of assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Havana at the number +(53) (7) 839-4100 or write to acshavana@state.gov. The Department of State is also available via the international number +1-888-407-4747.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Security Alert in Cuba Regarding Theft and Extortion
What travel documents are being stolen in Cuba according to the security alert?
Passports and Green Cards of American citizens are being stolen in Cuba. Furthermore, these documents are used to extort victims, demanding large sums of money for their return.
What is the recommendation of the U.S. Embassy for travelers affected by document theft in Cuba?
The U.S. Embassy recommends not offering rewards for lost documents, as this can encourage extortion. Additionally, it advises reporting any incidents to local authorities and the embassy, and requesting temporary travel documents if necessary.
What precautionary measures should American citizens take when traveling to Cuba?
It is advised to remain alert at all times and avoid displaying signs of wealth. Travelers should keep their travel documents in safe places, make digital copies of important documents before traveling, and report any theft or loss immediately.
How can those affected contact the U.S. Embassy in Cuba?
Affected individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy in Havana at the number +(53) (7) 839-4100 or write to acshavana@state.gov. The State Department is also available at the international number +1-888-407-4747.
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