Cuban sports commentator Daniel Gotay Torres, associated with the Cuban News Channel (NTV), took to Facebook on Monday to report a burglary at his home. Among the stolen items was a 2 TB Toshiba external hard drive containing years of invaluable professional work.
In his heartfelt post, Gotay expressed the magnitude of his loss: "Today my home was broken into, and among the items taken was a 2 TB Toshiba external hard drive filled with irreplaceable work archives, projects, and documents," he lamented.
Gotay, known for his sports segments on programs like Alborada Deportiva, Amanecer Deportiva, and Órbita Deportiva, emphasized that no material possession could compensate for what was lost: "It's the culmination of many years of effort that can't simply be replaced by buying another device."
Contrary to what one might expect, Gotay did not seek to identify the thief or pursue legal action. His sole focus is on retrieving the data stored on the hard drive. "What I desperately need is to recover the information. If it has come into your possession or you know someone who has it, I'm willing to retrieve it without asking questions or causing trouble," he wrote.
The journalist urged anyone with information about the hard drive’s whereabouts to contact him privately and anonymously. The Dporto Sports News account amplified his plea on social media, identifying Gotay as "the sports commentator from Cuban TV" and supporting the call for widespread dissemination.
This incident is part of a growing trend of burglaries in Cuba, where technological and work-related equipment have become prime targets due to their high value on the informal market, fueled by an energy crisis and economic collapse.
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 1,536 confirmed burglaries in 2025, marking a 115% increase from 2024. By June 2026, the Cuban Conflict Observatory had counted 141 criminal incidents, up from 129 in May.
Journalists and content creators are particularly vulnerable as their work tools hold significant value and are hard to replace. In January 2026, Cuban creator Yassike, from the Citykleta project, reported the theft of his laptop, monitor, modem, and generator under similar circumstances.
More recently, a Cuban grandmother reported the theft of her power station, one of the most sought-after items on the island amid blackouts lasting over twenty hours daily in many provinces.
Gotay concluded his post with a heartfelt plea to readers: "I sincerely ask you to share this post so it can reach the right person."
Insight into the Theft Crisis in Cuba
Why are technological devices targeted in Cuban burglaries?
Technological devices are highly targeted in Cuban burglaries due to their significant value in the informal market, which has been exacerbated by the country's economic and energy crises.
How has the crime rate in Cuba changed in recent years?
Crime rates in Cuba have surged, with the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory noting a 115% increase in burglaries in 2025 compared to 2024. By mid-2026, there were 141 criminal incidents reported, up from 129 in the previous month.