A public appeal was launched on social media this Wednesday by a user named Migue Miki Osorio Ruiz, offering a reward of 100,000 pesos for information leading to the identification or location of the alleged thief who assaulted his sister in Guantánamo. According to his post, the individual stole a mobile phone, a chain, and earrings from the young woman, and he included a composite sketch of the suspected attacker along with the message.
The description provided indicates that the suspect is a young mixed-race male, of average build, approximately 20 years old and about 1.65 meters tall. He was reportedly wearing a black t-shirt and shorts set with a bear image on the front, carrying a backpack and a messenger bag. Osorio further suggested that the man might be from the Caribe neighborhood and urged anyone recognizing him or having pertinent information to contact him privately. "Whoever knows, message me privately," Osorio wrote in his desperate plea. According to his Facebook profile, he currently resides in Houston, United States.
In recent months, rising insecurity in Cuba has catalyzed a wave of citizen-led justice efforts, often stepping beyond the reach of authorities. An incident in November 2024 in Havana saw a man caught on a security camera brazenly stealing in broad daylight, prompting victims to offer financial rewards for information. In October of the same year, a Cuban living in the United States offered a staggering one and a half million Cuban pesos for leads to locate another thief, highlighting how connections abroad can play a crucial role in seeking justice amid perceived official inaction.
In February, a Cuban doctor publicly reported the theft of her university degree, a vital document for her career, and promised a financial reward for its return. Meanwhile, in March, a single residence in Havana suffered two burglary attempts within a short span, underscoring the vulnerability even for those trying to bolster their security. Faced with desperation and lack of official response, the affected family decided to offer a reward of 50,000 Cuban pesos for information leading to the identification of the culprits.
FAQs on Insecurity and Citizen Responses in Cuba
What prompted Migue Miki Osorio Ruiz to offer a reward?
Osorio Ruiz offered a reward to find the individual who stole from his sister in Guantánamo, demonstrating a direct response to personal victimization amid growing insecurity in Cuba.
How are citizens responding to crime in Cuba?
Citizens are increasingly taking matters into their own hands by offering rewards and using social media to seek justice, often due to a lack of effective response from authorities.
What role do international connections play in these cases?
International ties, such as those of Cubans living abroad, can influence the pursuit of justice by providing financial support for rewards and amplifying calls for information.