American Residency Held Hostage in Cuba: Demanding Thousands for Its Return

A user named Yaileny Robaina recently raised an alarm in the Facebook group Revolico Camagüey 2025 regarding the loss of a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card, and a passport. "We urgently ask anyone who found this American residency and passport at the Camagüey airport to return it. These documents are crucial for returning to the U.S. We are desperate to find them. Please share this in all groups," the post read, accompanied by an image of the document and a contact number for information.

Subsequently, an anonymous post appeared in the Mejor ventas de todo en Camagüey group, featuring the same document image and demanding $5,000. "Someone just posted this, the person has it and is asking for that amount of money. Humanity is lost," they lamented, urging someone from ETECSA or group administrators to trace the number 51433394 to its owner.

In the same group, another anonymous profile claimed to possess the document, also requesting the same sum for its return, but instead of providing a phone number, they listed an email address.

Community Outrage and Concerns

The situation has sparked outrage among users. Some pointed out that the phone number in the post has been previously linked to alleged scams involving the sale of MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible). Others suspected it might be a fraudulent attempt, as they questioned the authenticity of the claim: "That's a lie. I don't think they have it because if you look closely, the photo is the same as the one shared when it was reported lost," commented one user.

Within the comments, a user, possibly the victim's mother based on her surname, mentioned that they have already involved the police and approached the U.S. Embassy. Many participants advised against paying any money and suggested seeking assistance through official channels. One user wrote: "Do not pay anything. Go to the American embassy or consulate. They'll issue a letter that allows entry to the U.S. and you can reapply for residency there."

Recurring Incidents Raise Alarm

This incident is reminiscent of a similar case in Havana late August, where another Cuban reported being asked for $4,000 to retrieve his Green Card. On that occasion, the victim refused the extortion and shared that the U.S. consulate in Havana provided support for his return to the United States without the document.

The recurrence of such incidents has stirred concern among social media users, with many warning about a potential criminal scheme targeting those who lose immigration documents.