A man named Daniel López has been exposed on social media for masquerading as a relative of a critically ill patient to gain the trust of other families in Havana hospitals and then rob them of their belongings. According to accounts shared on the Omo Obbatalá profile, López, from Aguada de Pasajeros, would appear in intensive care units or emergency rooms claiming that his mother was gravely ill.
He further alleged facing severe financial difficulties and being alone in the capital, which stirred sympathy among those who listened to his story. Over several days, he mingled with the relatives of hospitalized patients, who, moved by his tale, offered him various forms of assistance, from food to emotional support.
However, his deceit unraveled when it was revealed that he never had anyone admitted and was actually stealing belongings from those who helped him. Internet users have labeled López a "very clever" scammer and have urged extreme caution for those accompanying patients in hospitals, as he tends to repeat the same tactic: approaching vulnerable individuals and earning their trust with the story of a sick mother in intensive care.
This incident has sparked outrage and concern among the community, as it targets families already experiencing distress over the health of their loved ones. Additionally, this month, it was reported that a woman named Belkis Bauzá was moving around the Vladimir Ilich Lenin hospital in Holguín, posing as staff to identify available beds and "selling" them to desperate families seeking a place for their deliveries. There are suspicions that she may have had help from hospital employees, as it seems unlikely she acted alone.
The case exposes the decline of the Cuban healthcare system, once hailed as a global model. For many, it serves as evidence that the "medical powerhouse" is now more of a slogan than a reality, with resources that should be free being traded illicitly.
Understanding Fraud in Cuban Hospitals
How does Daniel López execute his scams in Havana hospitals?
Daniel López gains trust by pretending to be a relative of a critically ill patient, claiming financial hardship and loneliness, which elicits sympathy from others who then offer him help, making it easier for him to steal from them.
What impact does this type of fraud have on Cuban families?
This type of fraud adds to the distress of families who are already dealing with the health crises of their loved ones, creating an environment of mistrust and vulnerability in hospitals.
What does the case of Belkis Bauzá suggest about hospital operations?
The case suggests potential corruption and complicity within hospital staff, as Bauzá managed to operate by identifying available beds and selling them, indicating possible internal assistance.