In the early hours of Monday, a group of unidentified individuals stole 14 bags of rice from a storehouse located at the intersection of Jesús del Sol and Beneficencia in the municipality of Guantánamo. This incident was reported by the pro-government Facebook page "Guantánamo y su Verdad," which stated that the store manager was notified by local residents after they noticed the main door had been forced open.
Witnesses revealed that the manager publicly confirmed the theft upon discovering the missing rice. With the assistance of the community, police investigations led to the identification of at least three suspected individuals involved in the crime. Authorities were able to recover part of the stolen rice and confiscated cash that had been acquired through its sale to buyers willing to purchase stolen goods.
One of the implicated buyers voluntarily returned a bag of rice after learning about its illegal origin, according to the official report. The authorities are still conducting investigations to fully resolve the case and determine if more people were involved.
Rising Theft Amid Economic Hardship
Amidst a severe economic crisis and shortage of basic goods in Cuba, thefts at storehouses have become increasingly common. This trend has fostered a growing atmosphere of insecurity, with burglaries and robberies occurring more frequently. Betsy Díaz Velázquez, the Cuban Minister of Domestic Trade, acknowledged the seriousness of the rise in thefts at these state-run establishments. She also disclosed that a worker lost their life while attempting to defend their workplace from an attack.
Escalating Crime Rates in 2025
In 2025 alone, there have been over 163 reported thefts at storehouses where rationed goods from the basic basket are distributed. This marks an escalation compared to the same period last year, indicating a surge in criminal activity across the nation. The provinces suffering the most from these thefts include Holguín, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Mayabeque. Holguín tops the list with 33 thefts, followed by Las Tunas with 22, and Santiago de Cuba with 19 incidents. These numbers highlight the increasing insecurity in these areas.
Understanding the Impact of Storehouse Theft in Cuba
What measures are being taken to address the increase in storehouse thefts in Cuba?
The Cuban authorities are intensifying investigations and working closely with the community to identify and apprehend those responsible. Efforts are also being made to improve security measures at state-run establishments.
How has the economic crisis affected crime rates in Cuba?
The ongoing economic crisis in Cuba has led to increased scarcity of basic goods, which in turn has fueled a rise in thefts and other crimes as people struggle to access necessities.
Which provinces in Cuba are most affected by storehouse thefts?
The provinces hardest hit by storehouse thefts include Holguín, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Mayabeque, with Holguín experiencing the highest number of incidents.