A stolen tourist vehicle, with license plates belonging to the state-run Transtrur Holguín, was retrieved by law enforcement in a coordinated operation with the Technical Department of Investigations (DTI) in the Holguín province. According to the government-affiliated profile Carretera En La Mira, this operation took place on a section of the highway connecting to the Las Tunas province and extending toward the area known as Camino Militar.
During the intervention, authorities discovered that the car was operating with fraudulent license plates, highlighting an attempt to evade police surveillance. Once the driver realized he was surrounded by police, he tried to escape but was quickly intercepted and apprehended.
The publication praised the operation, claiming that “the law is always present and acting to ensure everyone's safety.” However, this contrasts sharply with the daily flood of social media complaints about the authorities' inaction in the face of numerous crimes.
Details about the identity of the detained individual or whether the car was recently stolen or had been missing for some time remain undisclosed. Additionally, it is unclear if there are other suspects under investigation. The publication did not miss the opportunity to laud the repressive organs of the regime.
Persistent Vehicle Theft Across Cuban Provinces
The theft of tourist vehicles has become a recurring crime in several Cuban provinces. In 2023, a group of criminals stole a car in Holguín, abandoning the owner on a roadside, an incident that underscored the growing boldness of these criminal acts. Months later, another suspected car thief was apprehended after being recognized by a victim who had reported the theft of their vehicle. This case also involved a tourist car, a favored target due to its high value and mobility.
Also in 2023, a man was arrested while transporting bags of coffee in a stolen vehicle, intercepted on the highway. This incident illustrated how stolen cars are frequently used for the illegal transportation of goods.
By 2025, little has changed. A driver was arrested in Santiago de Cuba while driving a stolen car, also owned by a state enterprise, highlighting the vulnerability of the state transportation system to specialized criminal networks.
Understanding Vehicle Theft in Cuba
What are the common methods used in vehicle thefts in Cuba?
Common methods include using fake license plates and targeting tourist vehicles for their value and ease of movement. Thieves often attempt to evade police checkpoints.
How do authorities respond to vehicle thefts in Cuba?
Authorities conduct coordinated operations to recover stolen vehicles, although public perception often criticizes them for inaction on various crimes.
Why are tourist vehicles a common target for theft?
Tourist vehicles are targeted due to their high value and mobility, making them attractive for both transportation and resale.