In Bayamo, located in the Granma province, a man was taken into custody after being caught while tampering with railway sleepers just before the National train was due to pass. The official source "Entérate con Aytana Alama" reported on Sunday that the incident took place at kilometer 120.3 on the railway line running through the city. According to social media posts, the authorities apprehended the suspect "red-handed."
The individual is charged with attacking railway infrastructure, an act that could have resulted in a severe accident with potentially fatal outcomes. "Now he will have to face the consequences for his attack on the train, which could have led to injuries for many," warned the report shared by the state-affiliated communicator.
As of now, the identity of the detained individual and the reasons behind his actions remain undisclosed. However, such crimes have been previously reported, seemingly as a means to acquire resources like steel beams for construction purposes.
In a related development, the Cuban Supreme People's Court announced in May that crimes affecting strategic infrastructure in the country, including railways, the electrical grid, solar parks, and telecommunications, will be legally classified as sabotage—one of the most severe charges in the current Cuban Penal Code. This decision was communicated through Ruling 475, issued on May 23, 2025, by the Council of Government, Cuba's highest judicial authority, and shared on its official Facebook page on Thursday.
Recently, there has been a surge in vandalism across various parts of Cuba, targeting essential infrastructure. Individuals have been caught attempting to steal rebar from railway areas in Havana, while other regions have reported incidents of public buses being stoned, leading to multiple arrests of suspected perpetrators.
In response to the rise in such incidents, authorities have implemented stringent measures in certain areas, and there is a noted increase in the vulnerability of telecommunications services. Numerous incidents have disrupted ETECSA networks, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the country.
Understanding the Impact of Infrastructure Sabotage in Cuba
What are the potential consequences of tampering with railway infrastructure in Cuba?
Tampering with railway infrastructure can lead to severe accidents, endangering lives and causing substantial disruption to transportation services.
How has the Cuban government responded to acts of sabotage?
The Cuban government has classified acts of sabotage against strategic infrastructure as serious criminal offenses, implementing stricter legal penalties to deter such activities.
Why are individuals resorting to sabotage in Cuba?
Some individuals engage in sabotage to obtain resources like steel beams, often driven by economic hardship and the need for construction materials.