The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) recently held a public event in the Caribe Popular Council, located in Guantánamo, to return some of the possessions stolen from four victims during recent robberies and violent incidents in the area.
This operation, showcased on social media by the official page "Guantánamo y su Verdad," follows a pattern that both MININT and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) have been employing for several years across various provinces in Cuba.
Among the recovered items returned to their rightful owners were a combustion engine, washing machines, EcoFlow devices, fans, and other valuables, as highlighted in a video shared on Facebook.
The retrieval of these items is particularly significant amid the ongoing energy crisis in 2026, which has caused power outages lasting over 20 hours daily in some regions. Portable power generation equipment like EcoFlow units—priced between $549 and more than $1,150—are especially sought after by thieves.
Earlier in September, a Cuban mother reported the theft of her EcoFlow device and solar panel in Matanzas, amidst a surge in thefts of such equipment in multiple provinces.
During the Guantánamo event, community members stood by the victims, and according to the official video, "recognized the efforts of the authorities in addressing these incidents."
The president of the Caribe Popular Council urged the community to "strengthen unity, increase vigilance, and maintain active participation among all residents."
Since at least 2023, MININT has staged similar events across the nation, consistently following the same script: uniformed officers present, neighbors witnessing the event, local authorities delivering speeches, and extensive coverage on social media and state television.
In April 2026, the PNR conducted a public ceremony in Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos, to return stolen goods. That same month, MININT replicated the format in the Isle of Youth to return a stolen television from a nursing home. By August, Camagüey's police held another public event with the same objective.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stolen Property Returns in Cuba
Why are EcoFlow devices targeted by thieves in Cuba?
EcoFlow devices are targeted because they are crucial for generating portable power, especially during prolonged power outages, and their high value makes them attractive to thieves.
How does MININT handle the return of stolen goods?
MININT organizes public events to return stolen goods, involving local authorities, uniformed officers, and community members to witness and support the process.
What role do local communities play in these public ceremonies?
Local communities participate by supporting victims, acknowledging the authorities' efforts, and promoting community vigilance and unity to prevent future incidents.