Authorities in Sancti Spíritus have detained and obtained confessions from the alleged perpetrators of a massive heist targeting the wholesale microenterprise Lancervi. The robbery took place in the early hours of July 11, taking advantage of a power outage and lack of surveillance that allowed the thieves to enter through the roof.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Rodríguez Carmenate, head of the provincial criminal investigation unit, the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) successfully apprehended the two men, who have previous criminal records and negative social behavior. The suspects admitted to their involvement in the heist and implicated two additional individuals, who were also arrested. These arrests were largely facilitated by tips from the public, including anonymous reports.
Radio Sancti Spíritus reported that one of the suspects transported a portion of the stolen money to his home using a cart, while another acted as a mediator in acquiring the transportation methods used during the investigation. Both suspects allegedly received substantial payments for their roles.
The investigation led to the recovery of assets purchased with the stolen funds: two combustion engines of 125cc and 200cc, each valued at over one million pesos, two electric scooters, five high-end mobile phones, clothing, a cart, and 2.5 million pesos in cash. The method described by authorities indicated that the burglars climbed onto the roof, removed a zinc tile, and accessed the interior, taking advantage of the fact that one of them had previously worked at the location and knew where the cash was stored. Fingerprints found at the scene matched those of the accused.
The suspects remain in custody at the provincial criminal investigation unit, held under provisional detention, and are being prosecuted for robbery with force. Investigations continue to explore their possible connections to other similar crimes in the city.
Earlier, in June, the official press in Sancti Spíritus reported on the dismantling of a network by Minint forces that engaged in the theft and illegal resale of liquefied gas cylinders from January to May of this year. In a related matter, the Attorney General's Office confirmed ongoing criminal investigations in Havana and Sancti Spíritus concerning the theft of essential goods amid growing public discontent over rampant corruption, lack of oversight, rising prices of basic goods, and impunity in strategic sectors.
In Havana del Este, 197 sacks of powdered milk, intended for rationed distribution to children under two years old—a particularly vulnerable group amid the current crisis—were stolen from a state-owned cold storage facility. The Cuban public has voiced increasing concern over the rise in crime across the country, particularly regarding violent robberies, assaults, and thefts in broad daylight.
These incidents have fueled discussions about public safety in Cuba, where many citizens feel increasingly vulnerable to criminal acts without fear of retribution. In one of the latest incidents, a young Cuban teacher reported being violently assaulted near her home on the night of August 8, just before her 30th birthday. Similarly, Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, reported the theft of her neighbor's Lada in Havana and sought assistance in recovering it.
On the morning of August 4, journalist and Ph.D. Enrique Pérez Fumero, an employee of the official CMKC station and a university professor, suffered a brutal beating during a robbery in Santiago de Cuba. Two days later, authorities arrested six men involved in the murder of a guard and the near-fatal assault of another during a robbery at an agricultural cooperative in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, as confirmed by official sources.
The Cuban government has acknowledged a troubling increase in violent crime on the island, including the use of firearms. In response, it has pledged to impose exemplary punishments on those who commit grave offenses, particularly those occurring within state institutions.
FAQs on Crime and Safety in Cuba
What measures are being taken to combat the rise in crime in Cuba?
The Cuban government has promised to enforce strict punishments for serious crimes, particularly those occurring within state institutions, as part of efforts to address the increasing violence.
How has public response been to the increase in criminal activity?
There is growing concern among the Cuban populace regarding the spike in crime, with many citizens feeling more vulnerable and expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of public safety.