Joel Pita, a Cuban expatriate known on social media as "El Pita," took to Facebook to publicly accuse customs officials at Havana's José Martí International Airport of stealing the contents of his luggage during a recent trip to Cuba, which he describes as the worst ordeal of his life.
"When I got home and opened my suitcase, I was missing sandals, sneakers, shirts, everything. Perfume, watch... They stole it all," Pita recounted in a video, directly implicating the workers at Terminal 3 of José Martí in the plundering.
Personal Tragedy Behind the Trip
His journey was not for leisure but due to a personal tragedy: "I went to Cuba out of necessity. I had to retrieve my father, who passed away two years ago, and with no family there to handle it, I did it myself," he explained.
Pita's mother, who accompanied him, also fell victim. "My mom had a whole stash of canned food, and when she got home, it was only half there," she reported.
Widespread Issue of Theft
Pita was explicit in describing the theft process: "When the suitcase comes out, it's already been emptied of everything."
Unfortunately, his case is not unique. In December 2023, two employees from the same Terminal 3 were arrested for stealing from luggage, and in February 2024, another worker at José Martí faced arrest for theft of packages. These isolated arrests have not addressed the underlying issue.
In March 2025, an elderly woman's luggage from Miami arrived two days late and thoroughly pillaged, missing even vital medications. In November that year, a Spanish influencer of Cuban descent labeled the airport her "worst nightmare," citing thefts, waits of up to two hours, and employees demanding "incentives" in dollars.
Preventive Measures and Challenges
The most documented modus operandi, known since 2019, involves using a pen to unzip bags without leaving visible traces, removing items, and resealing the luggage. In May 2025, a Cuban shared on social media a method to safeguard luggage with trash bags sealed with adhesive tape inside the suitcase, noting that locks are ineffective against this technique.
Pita also highlighted other challenges during his trip: fuel costs reach $100 for 10 liters (about 50,000 Cuban pesos), and power outages are frequent. He noted that only eight passengers were on his flight, all connected to agencies, reflecting the sharp decline in air traffic to the island.
Message to the Cuban Government
He sent a direct message to Díaz-Canel’s government: "Have undercover agents disembark with fake luggage filled with sneakers or something, and you'll see how much is missing when you open that suitcase."
He warned the Cuban community abroad: "Cubans traveling to Cuba shouldn't expect compensation because you have been forewarned, and a warned soldier doesn’t die."
"I don't plan to return to Cuba until things change. Hopefully, Donald Trump will help us bring about that change," concluded Pita, who vows not to revisit the island while these conditions persist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft at Havana Airport
What items were reportedly stolen from Joel Pita's luggage?
Joel Pita reported missing sandals, sneakers, shirts, perfume, and a watch from his luggage.
Have there been other reports of theft at José Martí International Airport?
Yes, there have been multiple reports of theft at the airport, including arrests of employees for stealing from luggage and packages.
What preventive measures have been suggested to protect luggage?
A method involving trash bags sealed with adhesive tape inside the suitcase has been suggested to protect luggage from theft.