Authorities in Bayamo, located in Granma province, have detained a man after he attempted to deceive the police with a fabricated car theft report. The vehicle in question was a rental car that he had actually sold in the nearby Las Tunas province.
According to state-run media, the man, originally from Matanzas, claimed to the police that the rental car was stolen when he allegedly left it parked with the keys inside while stepping away urgently to attend to personal needs. However, his explanation raised doubts, leading the investigator on the case to uncover that no such theft had occurred. Instead, the car had been illicitly sold for over a million pesos to a resident in Las Tunas.
The fraudulent scheme was swiftly dismantled, the car was recovered, and the perpetrator was arrested. The incident has sparked discussions in Bayamo, with locals humorously commenting on the suspect's failed attempt to "pull a fast one" on the police.
This event takes place amidst a surge in thefts reported across various Cuban cities, highlighting a troubling rise in public insecurity. In August, Cuban artist Mucho Mosty publicly reported being a victim of theft in Havana. During his brief absence, his car's windows were smashed, and its contents were stolen.
The artist recounted that he left for "about an hour and a half" to visit the boulevard briefly. Upon his return, he discovered significant damage to his car and that everything inside had been taken. Among the stolen items were personal belongings and technical equipment belonging to his video director. "They took a couple of accessories from my video director, lenses, valuable things," he stated, noting that the total value of the stolen goods was "around 700 and something plus."
Understanding the Rise in Theft Incidents in Cuba
What led to the man's arrest in Bayamo?
The man was arrested for selling a rented car illegally and attempting to cover it up by filing a false police report claiming the car was stolen.
How did the authorities uncover the fraud?
The police investigator became suspicious of the man's story and discovered that no theft had occurred. The car had been sold unlawfully.
What impact has the rise in thefts had on Cuban citizens?
The increase in thefts has caused heightened concerns about public safety among Cuban citizens, as evidenced by several high-profile incidents.