Sandro Castro Gives Insight into His Relationship with Cousin "The Crab"

Sandro Castro has once again become a topic of discussion on social media after initiating a question-and-answer session on his Instagram stories.

The grandson of Fidel Castro, known for his luxurious lifestyle and controversial presence online, encouraged his followers to engage by asking them to "Ask me a question."

One of the most interesting questions that quickly emerged was, "How is your relationship with your cousin, the Crab?"

Sandro's response was concise, yet it did not go unnoticed.

"WE BOTH RESPECT EACH OTHER, HE DOES HIS THING, I DO MINE. WE GET ALONG WELL," he wrote in all caps, seemingly to downplay any potential drama or speculation.

Although the story was removed a few hours later—along with others from the same round—the post was quickly captured and shared across various platforms, reigniting discussions on the opulent and secretive lives of Cuba's ruling heirs.

Who is "The Crab"?

The mention of “The Crab” is well-understood among Cubans familiar with the Castro elite.

It refers to Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of Raúl Castro and son of Débora Castro Espín—the former leader's eldest daughter—and the late Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Callejas, who led the powerful military business conglomerate GAESA until his death in 2022.

Nicknamed “The Crab” for reasons never publicly explained, Raúl Guillermo has headed his grandfather's personal security team and served as a close advisor on strategic matters.

He is credited with holding considerable power within Raúl Castro's inner circle and has long operated in the shadows of Cuba’s state security apparatus.

His image is also associated with the lavish lifestyle of the Castro descendants.

Despite keeping a low profile on social media and in public appearances, independent reports and journalistic leaks have revealed his attendance at exclusive events, international travel, and access to economic privileges far removed from the conditions experienced by most Cubans.

Sandro Castro: Legacy of Scandals and Extravagance

Meanwhile, Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro and son of Alexis Castro Soto del Valle, is also part of this family circle that has monopolized power and resources for over six decades.

Since he began showcasing his personal life on social media, Sandro has become a frequent target of public criticism for openly flaunting his privileges.

Sports cars, parties, stays in luxury hotels, and international trips are regular features of his digital narrative.

One incident that sparked significant backlash occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when he posted a video flaunting the Mercedes Benz he was driving. Many interpreted the gesture as arrogance and a disconnect from the country's reality.

Unlike “The Crab,” Sandro seems to enjoy the visibility that digital platforms offer, although he often deletes his most controversial or suggestive stories.

The deleted responses in his latest round of questions confirm this pattern: say just enough, stir some curiosity, then erase the trail before Instagram's 24-hour limit is up.

Family Silences and Discreet Loyalties

Although Sandro’s response about his relationship with “The Crab” was diplomatic—“we respect each other,” “we get along well”—it hints at the possible distance between the various heirs of the Castro legacy.

The Castro family structure has largely remained out of the traditional media spotlight, but its figures occasionally surface through social media or leaks, like shadows that barely reveal themselves but continue to pull significant strings on the island.

Both Sandro and “The Crab” embody the most visible face of a generation born into the echelons of power, detached from the revolutionary narrative of sacrifice and austerity.

While one engages in selfies and Instagram dynamics, the other retains his power behind the scenes, albeit with equal or greater influence.

In any case, the gap between them and the rest of the Cuban population becomes increasingly clear.

Another question Sandro received during this interaction was whether he plans to travel to the United States. His answer, which was also deleted before the 24-hour limit, was as brief as it was suggestive: “soon,” accompanied by a prayer emoji.

As many times before, he hinted without revealing much, leaving speculation to fill in the blanks.