Social media has become a platform for exposing alleged fraud involving H. Upmann cigarette cartons at the well-known La Cuevita market, situated in the Havana district of San Miguel del Padrón. Raiko Betancourt took to Facebook to alert potential buyers about these deceptive practices, sharing a video that appears to display five cartons supposedly filled with sawdust instead of cigarettes.
“Look at this scam... they've deceived this man... that's happening at La Cuevita... sawdust is what was inside the box... the disrespect we Cubans are enduring,” Betancourt exclaimed in his video, visibly frustrated by the discovery.
Contributing to the discussion, another user, Giovanys Fernández Abreu, highlighted similar fraudulent activities at the same location, mentioning scams involving soap boxes in his Facebook post.
Unfortunately, deceptive practices like these are not new to La Cuevita, a bustling hub for informal trade frequently visited by Havana residents. Back in March 2023, a woman reported purchasing what she believed was oil, which turned out to be a concoction of water and vinegar. Moreover, in December 2024, an altercation involving an inspector and a vendor escalated into violence with a bayonet.
Despite undergoing an expensive renovation in 2019—costing over two million pesos, with 600,000 contributed by self-employed vendors—La Cuevita continues to be plagued by reports of disorder, filth, and recurring scams.
Adding to the narrative, a young Cuban woman shared her La Cuevita experience on TikTok in May 2025. She painted a grim picture of the location, with broken streets, trash everywhere, and a complete lack of visible trash bins or efforts to maintain cleanliness. She also raised concerns about the availability of medications: “Pharmacies are empty, yet these places are full of medicines... I doubt they're ever cleaned because everything looks so neglected.”
Authorities have previously conducted operations to address these issues, such as the November 2022 crackdown that resulted in the detention of over 50 resellers. However, these efforts have not led to any substantial structural changes. To many Cubans, La Cuevita remains emblematic of shortages, underground economy, and unchecked fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Cuevita Market Scams
What is the recent scam involving cigarette cartons at La Cuevita?
Recent reports indicate that cigarette cartons at La Cuevita market have been filled with sawdust instead of actual cigarettes, deceiving unsuspecting buyers.
Have there been previous scams at La Cuevita?
Yes, previous scams at La Cuevita have included selling fake oil and fraudulent soap boxes, among other deceptive practices.
What measures have authorities taken to address the issues at La Cuevita?
Authorities have conducted operations, like the one in November 2022, which led to the arrest of over 50 resellers. However, these actions have not resulted in significant structural improvements.