In the town of Manzanillo, located in Granma province, residents apprehended a man suspected of stealing a cellphone. They expressed frustration after contacting the police, who reportedly advised them to release the suspect, claiming that the authorities were unable to intervene.
The incident was captured in a 32-second video posted on Facebook by Carlos Bárzaga. In the footage, neighbors can be heard confronting the apprehended individual, saying, "For stealing a phone, you’re going on Facebook, you scoundrel."
The video quickly went viral, garnering over 122,000 views and sparking a wave of outrage among commenters.
Bárzaga provided further details in the comment section, stating, "When we called the police, they told us to let him go because they couldn't do anything."
Police Response Sparks Outrage
A woman who also commented on the video explained the official rationale: "The police said they couldn't come for the suspect because they had no fuel; they suggested taking him to the station ourselves for processing."
This explanation fueled anger among internet users, who pointed out what they perceived as a glaring contradiction: the same police force that claims to lack fuel for addressing theft seems to find it readily available for suppressing protests.
"They have no gas to respond to theft, but if you protest for electricity or food, suddenly there’s gas for multiple cars, a truck, and security motorcycles," remarked one user.
Another commenter added, "If someone yells 'Homeland and Life' next to him, watch how fast they show up."
Calls for Stronger Leadership
The frustration evident in the comments led several Cubans to mention Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele as an example of the leadership they believe Cuba needs to tackle impunity. One user questioned, "How much longer must Cuba endure thieves doing as they please while the police take no action?"
Earlier in April, reports from Santiago de Cuba indicated that police were receiving unrestricted fuel access at service stations, while civilians faced 24-hour waits for just 20 liters.
Rising Crime and Community Vigilance
The situation in Manzanillo is not isolated. Recently, Camagüey residents detained a suspect found in a backyard, with police never arriving. In El Vedado, locals captured a man who snatched a phone from a passerby. In Cárdenas, community members tied up an alleged thief in a building as authorities failed to appear.
Back in March 2025, Manzanillo's La Kaba neighborhood residents detained a burglar caught in the act inside a home.
An investigation by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) revealed that crime in Cuba reached record levels in 2025, with 2,833 verified offenses—a 115% increase from 2024 and a 337% surge compared to 2023. The most prevalent crime was theft, accounting for 1,536 incidents.
The province of Granma, where this incident occurred, recorded 424 crimes that year, making it the second most affected area in the country.
Understanding Crime and Policing in Cuba
What was the community's reaction to the police response in Manzanillo?
The community expressed outrage and disbelief at the police's response, highlighting a perceived contradiction in resource allocation between handling theft and suppressing protests.
How prevalent is crime in Cuba according to recent studies?
A study by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory indicated a significant rise in crime, with 2,833 verified offenses in 2025, marking substantial increases from previous years.
What alternatives did citizens suggest in response to police inaction?
Some citizens suggested the need for a leadership style similar to that of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, known for his strict approach to crime and impunity.