Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño, the former Grand Master of the Cuban Freemasonry, was arrested on September 10 under allegations of fraud against the Grand Lodge of Cuba, in collaboration with the former Grand Treasurer, Airam Cervera Reigosa.
Cubanet obtained a statement issued by the current Grand Master, Mayker Filema Duarte, detailing that Urquía and Cervera were summoned by the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) as part of an ongoing investigation into a second embezzlement of thousands of dollars from the institution's funds.
Urquía remains in custody, while Cervera avoided incarceration by agreeing to reimburse the misappropriated money within a timeframe set by the Cuban Prosecutor's Office. Failure to comply will result in Cervera's imprisonment until trial.
The statement does not disclose the police station where Urquía is being held or the deadline for Cervera to return the funds.
On September 6, Filema Duarte informed the Masonic community about the disappearance of 2,116,555 Cuban pesos (equivalent to $17,637 USD) between January and August 2024.
Financial Audit Unveils Fraud
The financial audit revealed that Cervera had transferred funds to his personal account from the Grand Lodge of Cuba's accounts, in collusion with Urquía. Allegedly, both falsified bank documents to cover up the embezzlement and instructed the Lodge's accountant, Gertrudis Mena, to record an additional $2,700 as a loss, which was also stolen.
In addition to this sum, a theft of $19,000 occurred in January 2024 in Urquía's office while he still held the position of Grand Master.
Urquía has been embroiled in significant controversy for months. Just as the situation seemed to calm down, he is now at the center of another mysterious disappearance of funds from the Cuban Masons.
Urquía reported the first theft as a "disappearance of money from his office" on April 1. He was detained and promised to return the money within three months but failed to meet the deadline, and the Cuban Prosecutor's Office took no action against him.
The government reinstated him as Grand Master of the Lodge, leading to intense debate, internal criticism, and controversy within the institution, culminating in Urquía's resignation in August.
Currently, both Urquía and Cervera are prohibited from leaving the island due to suspicions that they might attempt to flee abroad with the stolen funds from the Grand Lodge of Cuba.
Details on the Fraud Investigation Against Cuban Masons
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the ongoing fraud investigation involving the Grand Lodge of Cuba's former Grand Master and Grand Treasurer.
What are the charges against Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño?
Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño faces charges of fraud and embezzlement involving thousands of dollars from the Grand Lodge of Cuba.
Who else is implicated in this fraud case?
Airam Cervera Reigosa, the former Grand Treasurer, is also implicated in the fraud case, having transferred funds to his personal account in collusion with Urquía.
What actions has the Cuban Prosecutor's Office taken?
The Cuban Prosecutor's Office has set a deadline for Cervera to repay the stolen funds. If he fails to do so, he will be imprisoned until trial.
Are Urquía and Cervera allowed to leave Cuba?
No, both Urquía and Cervera are currently prohibited from leaving the island due to suspicions that they might attempt to flee with the stolen funds.