Cuban Government Discusses Corruption: What's Happening with Alejandro Gil's Case?

On Wednesday, the Cuban government once again addressed the issue of corruption on national television, yet continues to dodge a crucial question on the minds of many Cubans. During another installment of the pro-government program "Hacemos Cuba," hosted by regime spokesperson Humberto López, the current state of internal control actions within state institutions was examined.

Representatives from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the Attorney General's Office, and the General Comptroller's Office participated, defending their institutions' efforts without providing extensive data or specifics about the cases under investigation. According to these officials, over the past eight months, 125 Oficodas in 80 municipalities across the nation were inspected. They uncovered irregularities involving fraudulent procedures to gain benefits from the ration book system.

Further issues were identified, including mishandling of housing subsidies, poor budget management, and irregularities in service payments and contracts. Additional inspections were carried out at shelters for vulnerable individuals, Cuban Bread Chain enterprises, and the Santiago de Cuba Oil Refinery, though no specific names, affected positions, or sanction details were disclosed.

Fuel Theft and Its Consequences

The program also highlighted fuel theft in Cuba, explaining that some incidents would be treated as "acts of sabotage" due to their impact on the country's ongoing energy crisis. The specifics of these situations and the number of individuals investigated were not disclosed.

Despite the rhetoric of "zero tolerance for corruption," the program avoided discussing the most scandalous case of recent years: the investigation of Alejandro Gil Fernández, former Minister of Economy and Vice Prime Minister, who was dismissed in February 2024.

Corruption in High Places: The Case of Alejandro Gil

Colonel Felipe Oliver García from the Technical Investigation Directorate (DTI) mentioned that the "majority of corruption cases occur in the business sector and at the grassroots level. National-level incidents have been isolated but have faced more rigorous and severe sanctions than those at the grassroots."

He added, "These leaders are expected to have a greater command of resources, more knowledge, and a stronger commitment to the State. Therefore, I reiterate that the rigor and severity with which we view these incidents are greater."

This was the sole reference made during the program to corruption cases within the higher echelons of the Cuban government. While they acknowledged their existence, they insisted these cases were isolated and provided no further details.

The Unresolved Fate of Alejandro Gil

Back in February 2024, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced the dismissal of Alejandro Gil Fernández, the country's Minister of Economy and Planning. His removal came amid an economic meltdown marked by blackouts, food shortages, and a healthcare system collapse—a situation that persists despite the regime's ongoing attempts to "correct distortions."

Initially, there was no indication that his political removal was linked to corruption. Some official journalists even defended Gil, with journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet stating he "did not leave with a full wallet." However, MININT possessed information unknown to this spokesperson, a friend of Díaz-Canel.

In March 2024, an investigative file was opened against Gil. The official statement indicated that the former minister had accepted "serious allegations" and had resigned from his positions in the Communist Party and the National Assembly. The case remains under the jurisdiction of MININT and the Attorney General's Office, though details remain scarce.

Gladys María Bejerano, former General Comptroller of the Republic, indirectly addressed the issue in a May 2024 interview, describing it as a "sadly negative lesson" and expressing feelings of "betrayal" to the nation. She confirmed that the investigation did not originate from the Comptroller's Office but did not disclose its source. Two months later, Bejerano was removed from her position, as announced by Díaz-Canel on national television.

While the regime publicly displays a supposed crusade against corruption, it avoids disclosing the fate of one of Díaz-Canel's key cabinet figures. Alejandro Gil could either be languishing in a Cuban prison or enjoying impunity in some tax haven. The Cuban populace remains in the dark, and it's likely the government will never reveal the truth. Instead, the regime seeks to distract the public by showcasing a battle against grassroots corruption, penalizing those who steal fuel, bread, and oil.