A resident of Camagüey has announced a reward of 500,000 pesos for any information leading to the capture of a man accused of masquerading as a buyer to steal a motorcycle and flee with it.
Independent journalist José L. Tan Estrada reported the incident on Wednesday, sharing several images of the individual identified by the victim as the thief.
The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday around 12:40 PM at the Amalia roundabout. The suspect allegedly posed as a prospective buyer interested in purchasing the motorcycle.
Under the guise of heading to the owner's home to complete the payment, the situation took an unexpected turn. According to the complaint, during the ride, the alleged buyer pushed the motorcycle owner off the vehicle and made off with it.
The victim is seeking assistance in identifying and locating the suspect and is offering 500,000 pesos to anyone who can provide information leading to his whereabouts.
The phone number 56160657 has been made available for those able to provide relevant details about the case.
The Evolving Tactics of Motorcycle Theft in Cuba
In Cuba, the methods used to steal motorcycles have been increasingly sophisticated and varied, with criminals often employing deceit, sham purchase negotiations, and other tactics to seize the vehicles.
Back in October 2025, residents of Guantánamo warned about a new scam involving motorcycle sales, where criminals exploited seemingly legitimate transactions to abscond with the bikes.
Victims have frequently turned to social media, offering rewards in hopes of recovering their stolen motorcycles or obtaining information on the culprits. Earlier in 2025, a Cuban woman offered a reward following the theft of her motorcycle, and months later, another woman reported a violent robbery and pleaded for assistance in retrieving her vehicle.
Rising Crime Rates Draw International Attention
The surge in crime reports has even prompted international warnings. In October 2025, the United States Embassy in Cuba issued an alert about the rise in robberies and violent incidents across the island, urging citizens to heighten their security measures.
More recently, on September 1st, the embassy cautioned about a "widespread increase in crime in Cuba," specifically noting the uptick in vehicle-related thefts in Havana. These include thefts of items left inside cars, the removal of parts such as rearview mirrors and wipers, and attempts to steal the vehicles themselves.
Understanding the Theft of Motorcycles in Cuba
What strategies are criminals using to steal motorcycles in Cuba?
Criminals in Cuba have been using deceitful tactics such as fake purchase negotiations and other manipulative methods to steal motorcycles.
How are victims in Cuba responding to motorcycle thefts?
Victims often turn to social media to offer rewards for information leading to the recovery of their stolen motorcycles or the identification of those responsible for the thefts.
What actions have been taken by the U.S. Embassy regarding rising crime in Cuba?
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba has issued alerts warning of increasing robberies and violent incidents, advising individuals to adopt stringent security measures.