A young man named Orlando Martínez Gallardo was taken into custody after being caught stealing 36 meters of cable from the Matanzas Supertanker Base, according to a source linked to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint). The official Facebook page "Con Todos La Victoria" briefly announced the theft allegations against Martínez Gallardo, claiming he was caught in the act by employees of the facility.
The post noted that Martínez Gallardo has a criminal background related to assault and will now face legal proceedings for the crime of robbery with force. It did not clarify whether the suspect was an employee with authorized access or if he breached security protocols at Cuba's largest fuel storage facility. Someone familiar with him mentioned in the comments that Martínez Gallardo is indeed a worker there.
The exact details and timing of the theft have not been disclosed. Currently, the base is involved in constructing the dome for fuel tank 49-1, the first of four new tanks being built. This site was the scene of a massive fire in August 2022, which destroyed four oil tanks, claimed 17 lives, and injured over 120 people, marking it as one of the most severe disasters in Cuba's recent history.
The news of this theft has sparked heated debate on social media, particularly among users who know Martínez Gallardo personally. While some attempted to defend his actions by citing the severe material shortages faced by Cubans amid a worsening economic crisis, others emphasized the importance of integrity and honesty, arguing that crime is not a justified solution to such difficulties.
Cuban society is currently experiencing an unprecedented crime wave, characterized by a surge in thefts, armed robberies, murders, and drug trafficking, coinciding with the deepening economic downturn. This has led to rising inflation, shortages of essential goods, and the deterioration of basic services.
Recently, news has emerged about the dismantling of a motorcycle theft ring in Santiago de Cuba, the arrest of two individuals for stealing televisions from a primary school in Sancti Spíritus, and an armed group's assault on an agricultural cooperative in Cacocum, Holguín, where they stole approximately 60 nets and took several workers hostage. These incidents underscore the growing insecurity in the country and the regime's apparent inability to ensure a basic level of social stability amid the crisis, despite its official rhetoric of order and calm.
Understanding Crime and Economic Challenges in Cuba
What led to the recent crime wave in Cuba?
The recent surge in crime in Cuba is largely attributed to the severe economic downturn, leading to increased inflation, shortages of essential goods, and deteriorating basic services.
How are individuals justifying theft in Cuba?
Some individuals justify theft by pointing to the extreme material shortages and economic hardships faced by the Cuban population, while others argue for upholding honesty and integrity despite these challenges.
What measures are being taken to address crime in Cuba?
Despite the government's official claims of maintaining order and stability, the recent increase in crime suggests a struggle to effectively address and manage the rising insecurity and criminal activity.