Miami-Dade County's tax collector, Dariel Fernández, has requested federal authorities to investigate a local company suspected of financial dealings that may benefit the Cuban government. Fernández expressed this concern on Tuesday, highlighting the need for scrutiny over any business activities that might financially empower the communist regime.
In a statement released on social media, Fernández voiced his "deep concern" over reports suggesting a financial connection to Cuba. He emphasized that any activity transferring "money, operational control, or financial influence" to a "communist dictatorship" warrants thorough examination.
Fernández further elaborated that the Cuban regime systematically oppresses its people while aligning with hostile governments, including Venezuela, Iran, and Russia. He stressed that remittances should solely support families and provide humanitarian aid, not bolster or legitimize an authoritarian government and its financial apparatus.
The official statement also highlighted that U.S. law strictly limits commercial and financial activities with Cuba, requiring explicit federal authorization. Fernández warned that foreign approvals do not absolve entities from these legal obligations.
He urged federal authorities to assess the situation and take "all necessary measures" to prevent U.S.-based organizations from contributing, either directly or indirectly, to the financial support or empowerment of the Cuban regime.
The company under suspicion was not named in the statement.
This call for investigation follows Fernández's recent action of revoking licenses from 20 companies suspected of maintaining commercial ties with the Cuban government. "As a Cuban immigrant, I am acutely aware of the suffering inflicted by the Cuban communist regime," Fernández stated, adding that Miami-Dade County will not serve as a platform to finance or sustain it.
Fernández has defended his office's actions against a lawsuit filed by a private company following the license revocations, reaffirming his commitment to enforcing the law transparently. In an interview with Univision, he explained that businesses wishing to transact with Cuba must have an OFAC license or operate under a general license specifying their activities.
According to Fernández, his office followed a gradual process: initially sending letters requesting documentation, receiving responses from some companies while others did not comply, and then issuing a second notice. Companies that proved compliance with legal standards faced no consequences and continued operations.
He clarified that his office does not directly "shut down" businesses but rather conducts an administrative process to revoke the Local Business Tax Receipt, an essential requirement for operating in the county.
These developments come after Cuba authorized the U.S. company Cubamax Travel Inc. to operate in the country as a money transmitter, allowing it to deliver cash to beneficiaries in Cuba. Cubamax, headquartered in Hialeah, Florida, and licensed by the U.S. Office of Financial Regulation, can channel funds through Cuban financial institutions for deposit into accounts or prepaid cards, and deliver cash in local or foreign currency, as long as it adheres to the oversight and cybersecurity standards set by the Cuban Central Bank.
Key Considerations in U.S.-Cuba Financial Relations
What actions has Dariel Fernández taken regarding companies with ties to Cuba?
Dariel Fernández has called for federal investigations into companies suspected of financial dealings that may benefit the Cuban regime and has revoked licenses from several businesses with alleged connections to Cuba.
Why is the financial interaction between the U.S. and Cuba restricted?
U.S. law imposes strict limitations on financial and commercial activities with Cuba, requiring explicit federal authorization to prevent the empowerment of the Cuban regime.
What role does Cubamax Travel Inc. play in U.S.-Cuba financial relations?
Cubamax Travel Inc. has been authorized by Cuba to operate as a money transmitter, allowing it to channel funds to beneficiaries in Cuba while adhering to the financial and cybersecurity standards set by the Cuban Central Bank.