The CIMEX Corporation has enacted disciplinary measures against three staff members from the "Cibeles" MLC store, part of the Havana East Branch, after uncovering irregularities in the sale of popular items like chicken liver and cigarettes. This action followed a public complaint on digital platforms that highlighted alleged violations in the sale of these products in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, Havana.
In response to the public outcry, CIMEX formed an investigative committee comprising its leadership and the General Management of the Havana East Branch to examine the truthfulness of the allegations and assign accountability, according to the state-run media outlet Cubadebate. The investigation confirmed that improper sales practices were indeed taking place with high-demand products.
It was revealed that chicken liver was being sold in bulk to a single customer and to store employees, rather than being evenly distributed among the local population. Additionally, the store manager allowed employees to purchase the popular cigarettes, which was against the corporation's policies. These findings were supported by a municipal inspection in Plaza de la Revolución, which validated the citizen's complaint and supported the commission's conclusions.
Disciplinary Actions Implemented
Faced with the evidence gathered, the top management of the Havana East Branch decided to impose strict disciplinary actions on the involved employees. These measures include the permanent dismissal of the store administrator, as well as the cashier and another sales clerk implicated in the misconduct. In an effort to curb corruption and ensure transparency in product sales, CIMEX has intensified its control measures.
Origin of the Complaint
Pedro Lizardo Garcés, president of the Rampa Popular Council, was the one who exposed the hoarding and diversion of goods at the "Cibeles" MLC store last week. Garcés noted that a citizen complaint indicated an arrival of "chicken liver," which the store's management claimed was intended for transfer to another unit. However, upon requesting municipal inspectors through the mayor, several discrepancies were identified:
- Only four packs of popular cigarettes were available for sale, despite 90 packs being in stock, and no price was displayed.
- Two boxes of Rothmans cigarettes were not available for purchase.
- Just four bags of chicken liver were on display, while two boxes and two additional packages were found in storage.
- There were no invoices or inventory records for the products at the site.
In recent months, reports of similar illegal activities have surged across various stores. Many internet users, in the comments section of the publication, called for extending these control measures to other popular councils not just in Havana, but throughout the entire country, highlighting corruption as a widespread issue on the island.
FAQs on CIMEX's Disciplinary Actions and Corruption in Cuba
What led to the disciplinary actions at the "Cibeles" MLC store?
Disciplinary actions were taken after irregularities in the sale of chicken liver and cigarettes were discovered, following a public complaint about the store's practices.
Who was responsible for uncovering the irregular sales practices?
The irregular practices were brought to light by Pedro Lizardo Garcés, president of the Rampa Popular Council, via a citizen complaint.
What were the consequences for the implicated employees?
The store administrator, along with a cashier and another sales clerk, faced permanent dismissal as a result of the investigation.