A Cuban citizen residing in the United States found himself embroiled in a peculiar extortion scheme during his visit to Cuba. After misplacing his Green Card, he became the target of a public blackmail attempt by an individual demanding $4,000 for its return. The incident, initially exposed through social media, has sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the increasing audacity with which certain individuals operate in Cuba.
The situation came to light on a social media marketplace page, where an anonymous person posted a photo of the U.S. Permanent Resident Card—with its identifying number obscured per the platform’s rules—along with a blunt message: "I found this residence, asking for 4,000 USD to return it. If anyone knows the owner, message me, 5 2732605, Havana, will consider negotiating face to face."
This blatant extortion attempt involving a foreign immigration document immediately incited anger among users. The Green Card bore the name of Leonardo Peña de la Cruz, a 38-year-old Cuban who is active on social media and whose recent posts confirm his visit to Cuba.
Response to the Extortion: "Dreaming of $4,000"
In response to the extortion demand, Peña de la Cruz took to Facebook, posting a story laden with sarcasm: "Send me a Zelle, says the person with my residency. Haha, 4k, keep dreaming." His retort underscored his disbelief and firm refusal to succumb to the extortion.
This incident quickly spread throughout the Cuban community online and was picked up by the news site La Tijera, which framed it as indicative of a larger issue: "This reflects the high level of corruption and impunity on the island, where even an official U.S. document becomes a public extortion tool," the site reported.
Community Reactions and Advice: "Don't Pay, Contact the Consulate"
In the comment section of La Tijera’s post, numerous users shared their thoughts, criticized the blackmailer, and offered advice to the victim. One user clearly outlined the consular process for a lost Green Card: "If I were the person who lost it, I’d go to the U.S. Consulate in Havana to request a special document called a Boarding Foil (previously known as a boarding letter). This temporarily replaces the Green Card and allows return travel to the U.S."
The user added, "You need to present: a valid Cuban passport, proof of legal residency (copies of the Green Card, Alien number, etc.), passport-style photos, and pay a fee (currently about $575). This is much better than giving $4,000 to the opportunistic person who found it. And report him to the police for exploitation!" Another commenter mentioned having sent similar advice to the affected individual privately, confirming he had already visited the embassy.
Public Outrage and Calls for Justice
The case incited a wave of criticism not only against the extortionist but also against the systemic impunity that seems to enable such acts. "He can't even think, 'let me return it and maybe the owner will give me something,' which I'm sure he would. This is why we are where we are, with many people exploiting others' pain and needs," one commentator remarked. Another called for action: "Let Cuban authorities address this. It is theft and blackmail. This person should be arrested, convicted, and the card returned to its rightful owner." Another user lamented, "It's despicable, disgusting, and sad... the humanity, kindness, human values will be the hardest to recover in this country."
Understanding the Extortion Case in Cuba
What happened to Leonardo Peña de la Cruz's Green Card?
Leonardo Peña de la Cruz lost his Green Card while visiting Cuba and became the target of an extortion attempt, with the individual demanding $4,000 for its return.
How did the extortion attempt come to public attention?
The extortion attempt was revealed when the person demanding the ransom posted about it on a social media marketplace, sharing a photo of the Green Card.
What was the public reaction to the extortion attempt?
The public reaction was one of outrage and condemnation, with users criticizing the extortionist and discussing the broader issue of corruption and impunity in Cuba.
What advice was given to Peña de la Cruz regarding his lost Green Card?
It was suggested that Peña de la Cruz visit the U.S. Consulate in Havana to obtain a Boarding Foil, which would allow him to travel back to the U.S. without paying the extortion demand.