A branch of the Banco Metropolitano located in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana was robbed late Monday night during a blackout. This incident was confirmed by the independent media outlet 14ymedio after an on-site verification of the event.
The robbery took place at the office situated at Dolores and 18. Eyewitnesses informed the media that the perpetrators broke into an ATM and accessed the interior of the bank through this opening.
"They smashed the ATM and got inside through there," recounted a local resident.
This event unfolded just hours before pensions were scheduled to be distributed, raising suspicions that the branch might have been holding more cash than usual.
On Tuesday, many retirees arrived at the branch to collect their pensions, only to find the doors shut.
"I imagine they were bringing a truck full of 20-peso bills," commented one of the affected customers.
In response to the robbery, the Ministry of the Interior launched an operation, but so far, authorities have not released any official information regarding the incident, nor have they clarified whether there were any arrests or the amount of money stolen.
This robbery coincided with another theft on the same street during the blackout. Unknown individuals stole solar panels from a nursing home located at the corner of Dolores and 11.
Both incidents occurred amidst a severe energy crisis that has left large areas of the country experiencing prolonged power outages.
Rising Insecurity Amid Economic Collapse
The growing insecurity has become a significant concern for many Cubans. Residents from various provinces have reported an increase in thefts and robberies, taking advantage of the darkness caused by power cuts.
"After 8:00 p.m., it's impossible to go out, not just because of the darkness, but because people are being mugged, and they're even breaking into buildings to steal," a resident from San José de las Lajas recently reported to 14ymedio.
The bank heist is not an isolated event. The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory documented 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, marking a 115% increase compared to 2024, with thefts being the dominant crime. In June 2026, the Vedado district in Havana reported over 30 home burglaries in a single week. Elderly individuals are the most frequent targets due to their vulnerability, a fact they acknowledge themselves.
Behind the desperation driving these crimes is an unprecedented economic collapse. Pensions range from 3,056 to 4,000 pesos monthly, while the cost of basic goods reached 21,060 pesos on June 4. Official inflation stood at 15.89% year-on-year in May 2026, although independent estimates place it closer to 70% annually. A staggering 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and seven out of ten Cubans skip at least one meal daily.
Collecting pensions has become a nightmare for Cuban retirees. In February 2026, blind retiree Pablo Vega died in Cárdenas after being attacked and robbed while waiting in line at a bank. In April, chaos and shoving were reported outside an East Havana branch on pension day.
Understanding the Impact of Economic Turmoil and Rising Crime in Cuba
What are the factors contributing to the increase in crime in Cuba?
The increase in crime in Cuba is primarily attributed to the severe economic collapse, widespread poverty, and prolonged power outages that create opportunities for criminal activities.
How does the economic situation affect Cuban retirees?
Cuban retirees are severely affected by the economic situation, as their pensions are insufficient to cover basic living costs, forcing many to endure hardships such as skipping meals.
What actions are being taken to address the security concerns?
The Ministry of the Interior conducted operations following the bank robbery, but there is little information on broader measures to address the rising security concerns across the country.