A coordinated effort by the Ministry of Interior (MININT) successfully dismantled a complex criminal network in Guantánamo that was engaged in fraudulent dollar exchange operations.
Authorities arrested eight individuals—comprising five men and three women—who were part of this network that had been operational since July of this year, as reported by the pro-government Facebook page "Guantánamo and its Truth."
The Intricate Web of a Nationwide Scam
What sets this network apart is its extensive reach across provinces, primarily involving Cubans residing in Havana, Villa Clara, and Las Tunas. This highlights a significant level of logistical planning and mobility.
The network relied on a key organizer based in Guantánamo, responsible for establishing local contacts and securing accommodations to facilitate the scammers' operations in the region.
Scope of the Fraud and Seized Evidence
The authorities estimate that the total amount swindled by this criminal network reaches nearly 6 million CUP and 1,000 USD, underscoring the severity of their activities and the economic harm inflicted on the victims.
During raids conducted in various parts of Guantánamo, law enforcement seized over 100,000 CUP in cash, along with multiple cell phones and the communication lines used to carry out the scams via social media.
Criminal Strategy: How They Deceived Victims
To warn the public and promote prevention, authorities have disclosed the network's modus operandi, which relied heavily on social engineering and creating a credible facade to maintain anonymity.
1. Targeting Victims
The scammers operated in social media buy-and-sell groups, commonly known as "Revolicos" (mainly on Facebook and WhatsApp), where they meticulously monitored and selected users who posted clear offers to buy or sell dollars (USD).
2. Deception and Facades
"Phantom Lines": To avoid police detection, they used temporary or disposable phone numbers, referred to as “phantom lines,” which were discarded after use.
"The Quick Strike": To build trust and distract the victim, they adopted credible facades, posing as professionals like doctors, individuals affiliated with Afro-Cuban religions like iyabó, and even impersonating elderly people to minimize suspicion.
3. The Fraud Scene and Escape Route
The network used pre-arranged houses as "theaters of operations" to disguise their criminal activities.
Identified locations for operations included:
- Aguilera between 1 and 2 West
- Varona and 8 West
- Beneficencia and Jesús del Sol
- El Bayamo neighborhood
Quick Escape: Once the scam was completed inside the house, the scammer had a pre-planned exit through the back door, where another network member awaited on a scooter to make a swift getaway with the loot.
Public Reaction and Skepticism
The arrest of eight people accused of illegal USD exchange scams in Cuba has provoked polarized and visceral reactions in the comments.
On one hand, many users expressed support for the MININT forces, viewing the action as a "good news" and a necessary step towards restoring "public tranquility."
However, this praise is quickly followed by overwhelming calls for severe and exemplary punishments, reflecting deep societal frustration.
The comments demand a "firm hand," calling for sentences of "30 years," "life imprisonment," or even the need to send the arrested individuals to forced labor, such as "cutting marabu to boost agriculture," or the frequent call for a leader like "Bukele" to ensure they "never walk the streets again."
The most critical and recurrent stance centers on the perceived inefficacy and double standards of the police in handling crime.
Many users, including scam victims, recount being ignored or even threatened with charges of illegal currency trafficking when attempting to report their scammers.
For instance, one user claims that when he went to the station, he was nearly detained, with the officer threatening to accuse him of illegal currency trafficking if he filed the complaint.
This distrust leads to questioning the motive behind the operation, suggesting that the police only acted because "they seemed to have scammed a relative or a police officer."
Moreover, the outrage is directly channeled towards the State, with comments accusing the Communist Party (PCC) of being the "biggest criminals" and the "government scam that is ruining the people's lives."
Understanding the Guantánamo Scam Network
What was the main objective of the Guantánamo scam network?
The primary goal of the Guantánamo scam network was to execute fraudulent dollar exchange operations, deceiving individuals in the process.
How did the network manage to operate across different provinces?
The network was interprovincial, involving members from Havana, Villa Clara, and Las Tunas, which required substantial logistical planning and mobility to carry out their scams effectively.
What was the public's reaction to the arrests made by MININT?
Public reactions were mixed; while some praised the MININT for their efforts, others demanded harsh punishments, reflecting a broader social frustration with crime handling.