A Cuban resident in Houston, Texas, turned to social media to express his frustration after discovering that his Toyota had its wheels stolen while parked. "Look at this, it's a huge disrespect, this only happens in Houston," exclaimed Aldo Molina in a TikTok video (@aldo.molina4), showcasing the condition of his vehicle.
Clearly upset, Molina pointed out the location of the theft: "This happened at the condos near Plaza America, on Highway 59, I don't even know what this area is called." He detailed the aftermath of the theft: "Look at this, it's a blatant disrespect, all four [wheels] gone, they took all four, just so you know."
As he walked around the vehicle, displaying the damage, he added sarcastically, "You don't see this anywhere else, come, come over here, so people can really see it." The incident has sparked a variety of reactions on social media, from those sympathizing with Molina to others making light of the risks of leaving a car without additional security measures.
Manuel Morales commented, "No, my friend, that's not exclusive to here. We've been seeing this since the Miami crowd started moving here. I've been here many years and never saw this in Houston." Meanwhile, user marinaperez2900 highlighted, "This didn't happen in Houston, it was in Florida, but with the growth of the Cuban community, it started happening here."
Responding to someone named Maxel, another user emphasized, "That never happens in Hialeah," to which Julio Capote replied, "Because the people from Hialeah moved to Houston."
Some questioned the video's authenticity. The profile El mas tigre noted, "To me, that car doesn't run; it's broken because the brake discs have more rust than anything else." Another user added, "Just the front part on the windshield gives it away, that car has been there a while."
Several comments suggested that the presence of Cubans has contributed to an increase in crime in certain areas of the United States. Recently in Houston, police arrested three Cubans suspected of being part of a gang accused of stealing cars worth over five million dollars from at least five airports across the United States.
The criminal network, identified by authorities as the Cuban Auto Theft Group (CATG), allegedly includes 14 other suspects who remain at large, as reported by the independent outlet CaféFuerte. In October, a Cuban from Miami named Raúl Bello, 49, was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol for allegedly being involved in the theft of a refrigerated truck carrying frozen chicken valued at $100,000.
According to the police report, the stolen semi-trailer was valued at $80,000, while the cargo truck it was attached to was appraised at $60,000, as reported by Local 10.
Questions about Vehicle Theft Involving Cuban Nationals
What was the reaction of the public to the wheel theft incident?
The public reaction varied from sympathy for Aldo Molina to humorous comments about the risks of leaving a car unsecured. Some blamed the increasing Cuban population for a rise in crime.
Who are the Cuban Auto Theft Group (CATG)?
The Cuban Auto Theft Group (CATG) is a criminal network identified by authorities, suspected of stealing cars worth over five million dollars across various U.S. airports. The network allegedly includes 17 suspects, with only three arrests made so far.
How did the police describe the stolen vehicle incident in Miami?
In Miami, a Cuban named Raúl Bello was arrested for allegedly stealing a refrigerated truck carrying $100,000 worth of frozen chicken. The semi-trailer was valued at $80,000, and the cargo truck at $60,000.