On June 18, Cubamax Travel Inc. released an official statement, signed by its president Carlos Trujillo, vehemently denying any association between the company and recent arrests in Panama City, located in northern Florida. These arrests are connected to a fraudulent driver's license network that has unsettled local and state authorities.
A Statement to Disassociate from the Scandal
In light of the events, the South Florida-based company asserted that it has no connection to the questioned operations or the individuals arrested. “Cubamax Travel Inc., headquartered in South Florida, has no affiliation with the management, operations, or legal decisions of the office located in Panama City,” the statement declared.
The statement further disclaimed any linkage to one of the central figures implicated in the case: “Ms. Niurbis Rosales is not an employee, owner, or legal representative of Cubamax Travel Inc., nor are any of the nine individuals arrested employees of Cubamax Travel Inc.”
In a firm tone, the company emphasized that “the legal accusations these individuals face are unrelated to the services or operations of Cubamax Travel Inc.” Additionally, they clarified that “Cubamax does not offer any services related to the issuance of driver's licenses,” nor do they have “any direct or indirect connection with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).”
Carlos Trujillo expressed regret over the incidents reported by local authorities and conveyed his confidence in the judicial process.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the company’s dedication to its clientele. “Cubamax Travel Inc. continues its operations as usual, reaffirming our commitment to legal compliance and enhancing the quality of our services to maintain the trust of our clients and their families in Cuba,” they concluded.
The Case: Illegal License Network in Bay County
The investigation that sparked the scandal began on May 20 when suspicious transactions were detected linked to the Bay County Tax Collector's Office, acting on behalf of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
A joint operation led by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), along with state and federal agencies, dismantled a criminal network that, according to authorities, included DMV employees, private intermediaries, and an alleged connection with CubaMax, whose local office operated in Callaway, Bay County.
During the operation, $120,000 in cash was seized, reportedly generated by the illicit activity.
Fraud Modus Operandi
The network issued driver's licenses without meeting legal requirements: no theoretical exams or practical tests. Applications were managed by intermediaries who charged substantial fees for the processes and distributed payments to the involved state employees through platforms like Cash App. Applicants from various parts of the state traveled to Bay County to exploit the scheme.
According to official reports, CubaMax was allegedly used as a referral platform to channel interested parties into this illegal operation.
The DMV employees arrested include Bancelie Velazco (37 years old), facing nine charges for fraudulent license issuance and nine for official misconduct, and Demetrius Smith II (30 years old), facing eight charges for fraudulent issuance and eight for misconduct. Additionally, Niurbis Rosales (37 years old) was arrested, identified as the owner of CubaMax in Panama City, facing 24 charges.
Other individuals arrested include Leonardo Gutiérrez (32 years old): seven charges; Hung Du (58 years old): 36 charges; Isbrieta Parra (44 years old): seven charges; and Zoila González-Peña (38 years old): 12 charges. Mirna Fernández (34 years old) was arrested for illegal possession of a driver's license, presumed to have paid for the fraudulent approval of her exam.
The CubaMax offices in Callaway were searched by authorities seeking evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing physical documentation, electronic transaction records, and continuing to gather testimonies. While legal proceedings continue, Cubamax Travel Inc. is safeguarding its reputation by disassociating from the scandal. The official statement aims to clear doubts about its involvement and reaffirm its operational continuity and commitment to legality.
FAQs about CubaMax Travel and the Fraud Investigation
What is CubaMax Travel's official stance on the fraud allegations?
CubaMax Travel has firmly denied any involvement with the fraudulent activities and emphasizes that they are not linked to the operations or individuals implicated in the Panama City arrests.
How did the fraudulent driver's license network operate?
The network issued licenses without legal requirements, using intermediaries who charged fees and distributed payments to DMV employees, exploiting platforms like Cash App.
Who were the key figures arrested in connection to the fraud?
Key figures include DMV employees Bancelie Velazco and Demetrius Smith II, as well as Niurbis Rosales, identified as the owner of CubaMax in Panama City.