In Havana, Cuban authorities apprehended Spanish national Martiño Ramos Soto, who was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison in Spain for sexually abusing a minor, as confirmed by official sources.
The arrest of the fugitive was carried out recently by the Policía Nacional Revolucionaria (PNR), following a formal extradition request by the Spanish government. This request was prompted by an order from the Provincial Court of Ourense on October 31, as reported by EFE.
According to press sources, Cuban authorities had been aware for several months that Ramos Soto was in the country, monitoring him due to his pending sentence. Despite this, his capture was only executed recently.
Both governments have shown willingness to facilitate Ramos Soto’s return to Spain, although EFE noted that there is currently no active extradition treaty between Havana and Madrid.
Ramos is among the top ten fugitives wanted by Spanish justice, as stated by the Fugitive Section of the Spanish National Police. The police recently sought public assistance to track his whereabouts.
The Fugitive's Background and Crimes
Originally from Ourense and aged 50, Ramos was convicted of sexual abuse and sadistic practices against a young student, committed when the victim was between 12 and 16 years old.
After being sentenced in July 2025, Ramos defied the order to report to prison and fled. Investigations suggest he initially escaped to Portugal, then traveled to Brazil, followed by Peru, and ultimately reached Cuba, where Spanish authorities suspected he had logistical support.
Besides his criminal activities, Ramos had been an elementary and preschool teacher, a former member of the defunct political group En Marea, and was well-known in his hometown for teaching music and political activism.
Community Outcry and Legal Actions
Ramos's addition to the priority fugitives list is a strategic move by the Spanish police, alongside other sought criminals, including drug traffickers, sexual offenders, a murderer, and a notorious robber.
While living in Havana, Ramos shared photos of his life on social media despite being wanted by Spanish authorities. According to La Voz de Galicia, Ramos initially contacted the victim when she was 11, starting a manipulative relationship that led to years of abuse.
The abuse began in the school classroom and escalated outside, involving physical violence and sadistic acts. The victim, who was 16 when she reported the abuse in September 2021, broke her silence after a particularly violent incident where Ramos assaulted and abandoned her.
The trial revealed Ramos had approached other young students with similar intentions, alarming the educational community. In 2024, parents and teachers protested, demanding the Xunta de Galicia implement a protocol to remove teachers under investigation for sexual crimes from classrooms.
The Consellería de Educación suspended Ramos from his job and salary after the initial court ruling. A year later, the Galician government introduced a new protocol to combat educational violence.
The Ourense Provincial Court not only sentenced Ramos to 13 and a half years in prison but also imposed a 21-year ban on working with minors, 8 and a half years of supervised release, a 20-year restraining order from the victim, and a compensation of 30,000 euros.
The Supreme Court upheld this sentence in July 2025. However, Ramos used his provisional freedom to escape Spain before receiving official notice.
Extradition Challenges and Cultural Involvement
While residing in Havana, Ramos actively engaged on social media, posting daily life snapshots from the island. Sources from the Spanish government and the Tribunal Superior de Xustiza de Galicia (TSXG) indicated that the extradition process might be prolonged due to the absence of a treaty between Cuba and Spain.
Ramos was also recognized for his involvement in Ourense's cultural and political scene, having led music groups, organized historical events such as A Bela Auria, and participated in leftist movements like Ourense en Común and En Marea, although he never held elected office.
Frequently Asked Questions about Martiño Ramos Soto Case
Why was Martiño Ramos Soto arrested in Cuba?
He was arrested due to a Spanish court sentence for sexually abusing a minor, and his name appeared on Spain's most wanted fugitives list.
What challenges are involved in extraditing Ramos back to Spain?
The absence of an extradition treaty between Cuba and Spain could complicate the process, making it potentially lengthy.
What was Ramos's role in the community before his crimes?
He was a teacher and political activist, involved in music education and leftist movements in his hometown of Ourense.