As the Cuban regime continues to remain silent about the fate of former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández, who has been accused of corruption for over a year, state television once again showcased its so-called "anti-corruption crusade" this Wednesday. This time, however, the broadcast included specific names, crimes, and sentences.
On a recent episode of the program "Hacemos Cuba," pro-government host Humberto López disclosed that the former provincial director of Finance and Prices in Pinar del Río has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Her crimes involved embezzlement of state funds, document forgery, and influence peddling.
Considered one of the most serious cases publicly addressed to date, the incident revealed how a senior government official misappropriated public resources, benefited friendly private companies with million-dollar payments for services that were never rendered, and intentionally violated the Budget Law.
"They're playing with money that isn't theirs," López declared at the program's conclusion. "They have the trust of the people, appointed to manage something that doesn't belong to them," he added.
Details of the Corruption Case
According to Reynold Pérez Fonticoba, the vice comptroller general of the Republic, the convicted official orchestrated irregular transfers exceeding 2 million pesos to a small business purportedly tasked with providing laundry and furniture repair services to the provincial senior home. These services were never performed.
The funds were shifted using the senior home's budget to benefit private partners personally connected to the official. “She profited from that transaction,” the vice comptroller noted. In one instance, she pocketed 40,000 pesos in cash, while an involved deputy director received another 30,000.
It was also uncovered that the accused allowed unauthorized remote access to her work computer, enabling irregular budgetary movements.
Legal Proceedings and Sentences
Vice Prosecutor General Reinaldo Cruz Rivera explained that five criminal offenses were identified, including:
- Embezzlement of public funds
- Forgery of banking and commercial documents
- Violation of cybersecurity
- Influence peddling
- Disclosure of classified information
The prosecution demanded a 15-year prison term for the director, a sentence that was upheld by the provincial court. The deputy director of Prices received a 10-year sentence, while a self-employed individual involved in invoice forgery was sentenced to 8 years. The sentences are currently pending before the Supreme Court.
Selective Justice in the Anti-Corruption Campaign
The program fervently asserted that there are "no godfathers or exceptions" in the fight against corruption. However, the Cuban audience, both on the island and abroad, remains acutely aware of a notable omission—the case of former minister Alejandro Gil.
As previously reported, Gil was removed from office in February 2024, and months later, the regime acknowledged he was under investigation for "serious allegations." Since then, there has been no disclosure of his whereabouts, punishment, or even if he has been tried.
The "Hacemos Cuba" broadcast concluded with the emphatic statement: "The people watch, the people judge, the people command." Yet for many Cubans, justice appears selective.
While farmers, workers, and now even provincial officials fall under the law's weight, the silence surrounding prominent figures overshadows any attempt by the regime to present itself as a defender of legality.
In a nation plagued by power outages, food shortages, and the collapse of public services, corruption is not just a crime—it's a betrayal of the people. And that betrayal, so far, is only punished when it suits the regime to do so.
Understanding Cuba's Corruption Scandal
What were the main charges against the official in Pinar del Río?
The official faced charges including embezzlement of public funds, document forgery, violation of cybersecurity, influence peddling, and disclosure of classified information.
How did the corruption scheme operate?
The scheme involved irregular transfers of over 2 million pesos to a small business, using the budget of a senior home to benefit private associates of the official. Services paid for were never rendered.
What sentences were given to those involved?
The former director was sentenced to 15 years in prison, the deputy director received 10 years, and a self-employed individual involved in invoice forgery got an 8-year sentence.
Why is there criticism about selective justice?
Criticism arises because while lower-level officials are prosecuted, the regime remains silent about high-profile figures like former minister Alejandro Gil, leading to perceptions of selective justice.