The Ministry of the Interior (MININT), in collaboration with the General Prosecutor's Office and the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, has endorsed the use of anonymous tips to report illegal activities in Cuba. According to Colonel Felipe Oliver García Sariego, head of the Specialized Organ for Combating Economic Crimes of the Technical Investigation Directorate (DTI), the MININT "prioritizes all matters related to public complaints," while also clarifying that the agency has its own methods to detect crimes.
Regarding anonymous tips, the officer assured that there is a specific procedure for handling them. "They are analyzed, evaluated, and any existing background in that sector is reviewed. Points of coincidence are sought to confirm the veracity of the claims, and investigations are then conducted accordingly," he added.
Data presented by state spokesperson Humberto López on the Hacemos Cuba program, broadcast by Canal Caribe, indicates that between January and May of this year, 58% of the complaints made by the public to the MININT have matched the findings from subsequent investigations. The figure is even higher for complaints made to the Office of the Comptroller, with a 70% match, while the General Prosecutor's Office sees a 56% alignment.
"Many of these complaints that reach the Prosecutor's Office are initially made within the entities themselves. Due to superficial management by these entities, which sometimes underestimate the information, the matters are not investigated," explained Luis Pérez Morales, head of the Directorate of Fiscal Verification Processes.
Darlam Dalmau Palomino, the Deputy Comptroller General of the Republic, stated that complaints, including anonymous tips from the public, are "a source of information about irregularities that may be occurring within entities. Based on these timely reports from the public, we can conduct investigations."
Public Concerns on Anonymous Reporting
Despite the comments from these three officials, the reality for many Cubans is different. Often, they cannot distinguish between an "anonymous complaint" and an "incognito tip-off," commonly known as a chivatazo. The government exploits these various forms to its benefit and convenience.
Recently, in a television segment used to indoctrinate and intimidate the island's population, Colonel Rogelio Luis Lazo of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and head of the specialized investigation and process organ of the General Directorate of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), explained the mechanism by which a citizen can be subjected to anonymous complaints, police surveillance, and even criminal prosecution if they do not engage in work or academic activities, and continue to ignore the warnings of the social prevention group handling their case.
"What we need is information about individuals who engage in these behaviors, those who disturb the order," Colonel Lazo told the presenter.
The Cuban regime has historically promoted chivatería as a "civic" behavior aligned with the principles of the so-called "revolution." Informing on others has become part of the totalitarian DNA instilled in a society dominated by over 60 years of single-party dictatorship.
Understanding Anonymous Tips and Their Impact in Cuba
This section addresses key questions and answers regarding the use of anonymous tips to report illegal activities in Cuba.
What is the role of MININT in handling anonymous tips?
MININT prioritizes public complaints and has specific procedures for analyzing, evaluating, and investigating anonymous tips to confirm their veracity.
How effective are anonymous tips in Cuba?
Data shows that a significant percentage of anonymous tips align with the findings of investigations: 58% for MININT, 70% for the Office of the Comptroller, and 56% for the General Prosecutor's Office.
Why is there confusion between anonymous complaints and incognito tip-offs?
Many Cubans struggle to differentiate between the two because the government uses both forms to its advantage, often blurring the lines between civic duty and state surveillance.
What is the historical context of chivatería in Cuba?
Chivatería, or informing on others, has been promoted by the Cuban regime as a civic duty aligned with revolutionary principles, becoming deeply ingrained in the society over six decades of single-party rule.