Social media is abuzz with warnings about a troubling trend affecting travelers, especially Cuban Americans visiting the island: the theft of personal documents, such as passports or green cards, followed by a timely "discovery" once victims announce rewards for their return. This pattern, highlighted by online users, underscores not only issues of security but also the immigration risks tied to losing vital documents in Cuba.
"Currently, this is a new tactic among some individuals on the island. They steal belongings from foreigners, particularly Cubans traveling from the United States, and then wait for them to offer a reward before claiming they found the items," explained one whistleblower.
The informer added, "I advise everyone to avoid carrying these documents with them, as losing them can severely impact your ability to return to the U.S."
The alert was triggered by a comment on a CiberCuba post, detailing a particularly sensitive case: a man offering up to 100,000 Cuban pesos as a reward for a lost U.S. permanent residency card, which belonged to a four-year-old girl.
In this instance, Pedro Luis Aguilar Jiménez, a member of the Facebook group "Vendo todo en Bayamo Granma," urgently sought help to retrieve the card. "Greetings, this residency card is missing. A reward of up to 100,000 pesos is offered to whoever finds it. Please, we urgently need it; it belongs to a four-year-old girl," Aguilar wrote, highlighting his desperation.
In the early months of 2025, various reports have shown how Cuba's economic crisis has spurred new criminal tactics, particularly in rural areas. In January, a report from Pinar del Río revealed a practice combining theft and extortion: farmers reported that criminals were kidnapping livestock — such as pigs — and demanding ransoms of up to 30,000 Cuban pesos for their return.
This approach has been described as an emerging form of "rural abduction," where victims, beyond the financial loss, face threats if they involve the police.
The trend did not stop there. In May, Holguín authorities thwarted a cattle kidnapping attempt when Juan Tomás Almenares was caught after stealing two cows. His plan was to demand 60,000 pesos from the owner in exchange for not slaughtering the animals, marking an escalation in the audacity of these crimes. Although apprehended before the extortion could occur, the incident highlights the increasing insecurity in the Cuban countryside, where livestock thefts and illegal slaughter have left countless farmers in dire situations.
Understanding the Risks of Document Theft in Cuba
What should travelers do to protect their documents while in Cuba?
Travelers are advised to keep essential documents like passports and green cards securely stored, preferably in a safe place such as a hotel safe, and to carry copies instead.
How can losing documents in Cuba affect reentry to the United States?
Losing important documents like a passport or green card can complicate reentry to the United States significantly, potentially causing delays or additional scrutiny from immigration authorities.
What actions should victims of document theft take?
Victims should report the theft to local authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. They should also consider notifying their bank or credit card provider if financial documents were involved.