An alleged scam operation between Holguín and Guantánamo has been taken down following multiple reports from individuals who claimed they were deceived through bank transfers in exchange for promised cash deliveries.
The state-aligned platform, Guantánamo y su Verdad, revealed on Sunday that police in the Guantánamo municipality of Niceto Pérez identified those involved after an investigation reportedly uncovered at least six victims.
The fraudulent scheme involved phone calls to pre-selected individuals, with the scammers posing as self-employed workers. They requested that money be transferred to a bank account, assuring victims that they would later deliver the cash in person.
In an attempt to build trust, the suspects allegedly pretended to be acquaintances or reliable figures, exploiting the challenges of accessing cash in Cuba.
The report mentions that two key operators were based in Holguín, while a woman residing in Niceto Pérez assisted by receiving the transfers through a BANDEC card.
Once the suspects were located, authorities managed to freeze the bank account involved and recover nearly 400,000 pesos, which were then returned to their rightful owners.
According to the report, the woman was apprehended in Guantánamo, while the two main suspects were found in Holguín.
The authorities advised against sending money to strangers in exchange for cash promises, emphasizing the importance of verifying the identity of the contact and promptly reporting any scam attempts to the bank and the National Revolutionary Police.
In recent months, the Cuban regime has highlighted several significant operations against criminal networks in various provinces.
For instance, in early September, 13 individuals were arrested following violent attacks and robberies on farms in Guantánamo. Authorities were investigating two interconnected groups active mainly during the night and early morning hours.
In August, a six-person gang was dismantled in Mayabeque for stealing dielectric oil from transformers in Güines and Melena del Sur. The official account stated that the group operated with planning and technical knowledge to extract and transport the product without arousing suspicion.
Additionally, in August, two individuals were apprehended in Los Arabos, Matanzas, following the theft of oil from a transformer. In that province, authorities acknowledged that dozens of individuals were being processed as part of more than ten criminal rings involved in such thefts.
Understanding Scam Prevention in Cuba
How did the authorities dismantle the scam network in Guantánamo?
The police in Niceto Pérez identified the suspects through an investigation that uncovered at least six victims. They managed to locate the key operators in Holguín and a woman in Niceto Pérez who assisted by receiving transfers.
What measures do authorities recommend to prevent falling victim to scams?
Authorities advise against transferring money to strangers in exchange for cash promises, emphasize verifying the identity of contacts, and recommend immediately reporting any scam attempts to the bank and police.