A man accused of defrauding four individuals in the province of Artemisa, amassing a total of over two million pesos, has been apprehended by authorities, as confirmed by sources connected to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint). The alleged frauds were carried out in the municipalities of Guanajay and Artemisa, according to reports shared by several official profiles on Facebook. The specific methods he used to deceive his victims have not been disclosed.
Following an "intensive search," Minint officials, in collaboration with civilians, located the suspect in the municipality of Colón, in Matanzas, where he was finally detained. Although the report did not reveal the detainee's name, many were taken aback upon seeing his photo in the post, confirming he had been a Mathematics teacher at a pre-university level.
The suspect is set to face a criminal trial for the charges against him, as stated by the source, who urged the public to report any other scams they might be aware of. Fraud has become increasingly common in Cuba in recent years, occurring both directly and through electronic means.
Social media reports have highlighted scams involving counterfeit money, cash tricks, or the sale of counterfeit products. With the rise in the use of mobile phones and platforms in the country, scams through social media and state-run online payment apps have become prevalent, often involving data theft and identity impersonation.
The surge in fraudulent digital operations has reached a level where authorities frequently issue warnings about these financial crimes. A case made public just a week ago involved a digital scam targeting a resident of Taguasco, in the province of Sancti Spíritus, where the victim's identity was stolen, and 230,000 pesos were taken. The alleged perpetrators were tracked down by police in Holguín and are currently facing prosecution. The stolen money was returned to the victim.
This incident underscores the fragility of the digital environment in Cuba and the escalating threat of financial crimes, exacerbated by a lack of adequate preventive mechanisms.
Understanding Financial Fraud in Cuba
What areas in Cuba are most affected by fraud?
Fraud is reported in various regions, notably in Artemisa, Matanzas, and Sancti Spíritus, among others.
How are scams typically carried out in Cuba?
Scams are often conducted through counterfeit currency, deceptive cash dealings, and fraudulent product sales, as well as through social media and online payment apps involving data theft and identity fraud.
What actions are being taken against fraud in Cuba?
Authorities are conducting intensive searches and collaborations with civilians to locate suspects, and they are issuing frequent warnings about financial crimes.