On Friday, Metropolitan Bank addressed circulating rumors on social media about an alleged robbery at a branch on Galiano Street in Central Havana, which reportedly resulted in a guard's death. The state-run ACN agency reported that the bank firmly denied these claims as "categorically false" and cautioned the public against the spread of false news on digital platforms.
The false information, spread through social media messages, claimed that authorities had closed the street due to the robbery and that a guard had died during the incident. The branch in question is located on one of the busiest commercial streets in Cuba's capital.
The bank made its statement through its official Facebook page, urging customers and followers to rely solely on its institutional channels for accurate information. They emphasized that "all official and reliable information is published only through our institutional channels."
Historical Context and Recent Incidents
This incident does not occur in isolation. Back in June 2026, a real robbery took place at the Metropolitan Bank's Lawton branch during a nighttime blackout, just hours before pension payments were due. The perpetrators broke into the branch by forcing an ATM; consequently, retirees arriving for their payments found the doors closed. There was no official statement regarding arrests or the amount stolen.
Such recent events lend credence to rumors like the one at Galiano, highlighting the tension and uncertainty surrounding Cuba's banking system. This situation is exacerbated by cash shortages, frequent blackouts, and the long queues that have become a common sight across the nation.
Recurring Patterns of Misinformation
The spread of misinformation about Cuba's financial system is a recurring issue. In December 2025, the Central Bank of Cuba condemned a mass scam attempt promising deposits into accounts at Metropolitan Bank, BPA, and Bandec, allegedly orchestrated by a supposed official. By January 2026, the central bank had to refute claims of a supposed banking services strike, asserting that operations were "fully functional." Furthermore, in December 2025, the Ministry of Tourism denied rumors of a $1,100 per person distribution at a Santiago de Cuba hotel, which had drawn large crowds.
In May 2026, the Ministry of the Interior also refuted viral rumors about a supposed nationwide curfew, clarifying that no official note regarding nighttime restrictions had been issued. These rumors, spreading rapidly via WhatsApp and Facebook, underscore the Cuban population's vulnerability to misinformation amid the crisis.
The Regime's Narrative and Underlying Causes
The Cuban regime consistently attributes these episodes to what it calls a "cognitive and unconventional war promoted by the United States." According to "specialists" cited by the state-run ACN, these practices aim to "create public confusion, stir social conflicts, and discredit the legitimacy of state and government institutions." The government labels this phenomenon as a "direct attack on the sovereignty and revolutionary project of the Island," ignoring the real context: a structural economic crisis born from 67 years of dictatorship fuels the spread of rumors.
The bank reiterated its appeal to citizens to verify any information through official channels before sharing it. In a country where distrust of inefficient institutions and economic desperation are prevalent, any news—whether true or false—about the financial system spreads at an alarming rate.
Understanding Rumors and Misinformation in Cuba
What sparked the rumors about a robbery at the Metropolitan Bank in Havana?
The rumors were spread through social media, falsely claiming a robbery and a guard's death at the bank's Galiano Street branch, leading to street closures.
How did Metropolitan Bank respond to the false claims?
Metropolitan Bank issued a statement on their official Facebook page, categorically denying the rumors and urging the public to rely on their institutional channels for accurate information.
Why is the spread of misinformation significant in Cuba?
The rapid spread of misinformation highlights the vulnerability of the Cuban population to false news, exacerbated by economic crisis and mistrust in institutions.