The Cuban content creator, Nayara Rodríguez González, who owns the clothing store NaEs Clóset, publicly reported that her business was burglarized in the early hours of Thursday, April 30th.
NaEs Clóset operates two locations, with the one targeted by the thieves situated in the Santa Martha area near Varadero and Cárdenas, within the province of Matanzas.
Nayara recounted that the perpetrators executed their plan within minutes without anyone hearing a sound, making off with a power station and a suitcase filled with numerous branded shoes.
An Unlikely Mistake
The burglars' significant blunder involved taking mostly the left shoe of each pair, rendering that portion of their loot largely useless.
One viewer commented with a touch of irony on the situation: "What are they going to do with left-foot shoes now?" Another noted that this part of the haul might be recovered: "I doubt they can do much with the suitcase, so it might turn up."
The Emotional Toll
Nayara expressed the emotional impact of the burglary, stating, "The worst part wasn't just the material loss, but the sense of vulnerability, the invasion of something you've built with so much effort."
She confirmed filing a report with the police and also reached out online, saying, "We trust the online community and believe that with their help, we might recover the stolen items."
She especially requested assistance from residents in Santa Martha, Varadero, Cárdenas, and neighboring areas who might have information regarding the stolen goods.
Valuable Goods in High Demand
The stolen power station is of significant value in Cuba, where the ongoing electrical crisis results in blackouts lasting up to 22 hours a day. An 800W solar module can cost over 75,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to approximately 20 state salaries.
This scenario makes such equipment highly sought after on the black market, explaining why the thieves prioritized it over other merchandise at the store.
A Growing Trend of Crime
The incident at NaEs Clóset is not an isolated case. In May 2025, a Mexican entrepreneur living in Cuba also fell victim to theft, highlighting a rising trend of crime against private businesses and SMEs on the island.
Since 2021, Cuba has permitted the establishment of SMEs and expanded self-employment, creating a new class of entrepreneurs who invest significant effort and resources into their businesses, making them frequent targets due to the authorities' limited effective response.
Nayara concluded her video with a message to fellow Cuban entrepreneurs: "We all know how challenging it is to grow a business from scratch in this country. You're left in shock, filled with anger and helplessness, because behind every business there's more than just products—there are hours, sacrifices, and dreams. So, if you have one, protect it dearly."
Key Questions on Business Theft in Cuba
What was stolen from NaEs Clóset?
Thieves took a power station and a suitcase containing numerous branded shoes, primarily the left shoe of each pair.
Why are power stations valuable in Cuba?
Due to the electrical crisis in Cuba, which causes blackouts that can last up to 22 hours a day, power stations and solar modules are in high demand on the black market.