In an unusual turn of events, three individuals were apprehended on Friday while attempting a bizarre theft aboard a rented bus traveling from Havana to Camagüey. While two of the culprits posed as passengers, a third hid inside a suitcase in the luggage compartment, ready to loot the travelers' belongings.
The bus driver’s vigilance played a pivotal role in thwarting the robbery. Sensing suspicious behavior, he halted the vehicle to inspect the luggage area, uncovering the peculiar ruse. When asked to reveal their belongings, the two thieves onboard claimed they were transporting "relocation items," but an inspection revealed that their luggage contained only cardboard and trash, meant to conceal the spoils. Hidden inside one of these was the third accomplice, who intended to discreetly steal valuables and transfer them to the empty bags of his partners.
However, their scheme was foiled before they could carry out the theft. Fellow passengers confronted the criminals and, prior to the police's arrival, administered a severe beating. A short video shared by Cántalo TV news portal depicted the aftermath with the passengers' reaction to the discovery.
This incident is not isolated; similar tactics have been reported in recent months. Social media users recalled a similar operation in November 2024 on the Havana-Nuevitas route, where a group used the same method to clear passengers' belongings.
Recently, Facebook user Rafael Moyet recounted another robbery during his journey from Camagüey to Havana on a state-leased bus for which he paid 3,500 pesos. He reported that the theft was discovered at 3:40 a.m., hours after the bus with license plate B137421 departed at 7:00 p.m. Moyet criticized the driver's negligence and the state company's lack of responsibility for luggage security, questioning the reliability of interprovincial travel under such conditions.
Public Outcry Over Friday's Attempted Theft
The news has sparked a flurry of comments and reactions on social media, with many expressing shock, outrage, and concern over the growing insecurity in interprovincial transport. "My God, a Master's in Theft. They're kids. Thanks to that driver who noticed. Every day more misery, more risk, more lawlessness," lamented one commenter.
Others voiced bewilderment: "Now they’ve lost it, speechless"; "Where are those who proudly claimed that crime in Cuba wasn't like in Latin America?"; "The only people who prefer risking their lives to steal rather than demand their freedom out of fear of dying or imprisonment"; "I think they thought that bus was heading out of Cuba," were among other remarks.
Some netizens even suggested potential internal complicity within the transport system, though no evidence supports this claim. What is clear is that interprovincial travelers are increasingly worried about the lack of effective controls and the rising frequency of similar crimes, reflecting desperation and a decline in values on the island.
Citizen reports of thefts and assaults are rampant on social media, indicating a surge in criminal acts, violence, and insecurity in Cuba. Bus terminals, airports, and highways aren't immune to the crime wave, with incidents endangering people's lives.
Despite numerous complaints, police responses seem inadequate. The public demands greater intervention from authorities to curb crime, as, beyond material loss, people's physical safety is at stake.
Understanding Crime in Cuban Transportation
What unique method did the thieves use to attempt the robbery?
The thieves used a peculiar method where one of them hid inside a suitcase in the luggage compartment to steal valuables, while the other two posed as passengers.
How was the theft uncovered?
The theft was uncovered thanks to the bus driver's quick thinking. He noticed suspicious behavior and stopped the bus to inspect the luggage compartment, revealing the ruse.
How did passengers react to the discovery?
Passengers confronted the thieves and, before the police arrived, they administered a severe beating to the culprits.
What concerns do travelers have about interprovincial transport in Cuba?
Travelers are increasingly concerned about the lack of effective security controls and the rising incidence of similar crimes, which highlight desperation and a decline in values.