Secret Funds of Cuban Embassy in the U.S.: Over $270 Million Revealed

A diplomatic investigation has uncovered that the Cuban Embassy in Washington reportedly amassed over $270 million from consular services between 2019 and 2025. This revelation comes from an extensive examination of thousands of leaked internal documents that offer a partial glimpse into the embassy's financial dealings.

This report was made public on Friday by elTOQUE, which noted that it, along with journalists from the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Systema project, had access to 4,713 files from three key accounts: the ambassador's, the consul’s, and an administrative aide's. The files, obtained in late 2025, include financial statements, emails, and consular records. The outlet emphasized that they verified the documents, noting that the data is incomplete, suggesting that the total amount collected could be even higher.

The Financial Breakdown of Consular Earnings

The primary sources of revenue were passport issuances, document legalizations, notarial powers and authorizations, and the sale of tourist cards. As of July 2023, fees for passport extensions were also being collected. One of the most lucrative periods was 2019, with the annual financial plan around $96 million. By the end of July, approximately $64.7 million had been collected, nearly 67% of the target.

During this time, 64,480 passports were issued, 86,104 extended, and 486,965 tourist cards sold, alongside 153,108 other consular services. At that time, Cuban passports cost $350 in the U.S., with extensions at $160, and tourist cards at $50. Just these categories alone generated over $59 million in the first seven months of 2019, according to the investigation's estimates.

Furthermore, the records reveal over 90 checks payable to the Cuban Consulate, predominantly from travel agencies purchasing tourist cards. Cuba Travel Services had 43 checks and Cubamax 36, while JetBlue made seven payments ranging from $250,000 to $850,000.

Impact of the Pandemic and Economic Adjustments

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a steep decline in these revenues. Consular income in 2020 was $38,663,760, as travel and border closures severely impacted the various procedures. In 2021, recovery began, with $27,142,215 collected by July 30, representing 63.12% of the annual plan. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez even praised the consular team for meeting their goals, according to records cited in the investigation.

Subsequent figures indicate similarly high revenues. By September 2022, the consulate had collected $52,240,585, 121.49% of the annual plan. The same period in 2023 saw $44,897,335 collected. For 2024, up to September, $24,541,915 had been accumulated, and by September 10, 2025, $21,621,450 was recorded, with the annual target reduced to $30 million.

The drop in income coincided with the 2023 migration reform, which lowered passport fees and eliminated extensions, previously significant revenue streams.

Insights into Embassy Expenses

The leaked documents also shed light on the embassy's operational expenses. In 2025, the Cuban Embassy had an annual budget of $2,442,423, markedly less than the consular service revenues during the analyzed years. A report dated January 9 indicated 50 employees at the embassy, both permanent and temporary. The budget for salaries in 2025 was set at $468,025, with $41,654 spent in January alone. This averages roughly $833 per employee, though not all received the same pay.

The embassy also covered housing rents, maintenance, and services for its staff. In January 2025, $90,730 was spent on rents, with an annual budget of $1,041,710 for this category. Another $79,292 was allocated for building maintenance and repairs.

The investigation notes that due to the lack of detailed public information on these accounts, it is unclear how all the consular revenue was ultimately used.

Comparative Analysis with Other Consulates

The contrast with other consulates is noteworthy. According to data collected, the Cuban representation collected at least $103 million in 2019 and 2020. In the same timeframe, Dominican consulates analyzed in New York, Florida, and Puerto Rico reported significantly lower figures.

This investigation emerges just days before a new increase in Cuban consular fees. As of October 1, 2026, the cost of a passport issuance in the U.S. will rise from $180 to $200, plus shipping, as part of a general fee hike announced by Cuban authorities. The government cited the "complex international macroeconomic landscape" and inflation's impact as reasons for the increase.

elTOQUE stated they sought comments from the Cuban Embassy in Washington but received no response prior to the investigation's release.