A recent study by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) on public insecurity in Cuba has unveiled an alarming rise in crime levels across the island in 2024, with an average of 2.37 crimes per day. Reports published by the OCAC and cited by the media outlet Cuba Siglo XXI indicate that, although there were no prior data, criminal activity—such as violent robberies, murders, homicides, or other forms of violent crime—began to be perceived as a serious issue in the country as early as 2023.
In the first six months of 2024, from January to June, 432 crimes were recorded, equating to a daily average of 2.37 crimes. This marks a 152% increase compared to the same period the previous year, which saw a daily average of 1.82 crimes.
Rising Rates of Violent Crimes
The analysis highlights a concerning spike in violent crimes in 2024, with a 111% rise in murders, a 290% increase in assaults, and a 208% surge in robberies within the first half of the year. The provinces with the highest reports are Havana (146), Villa Clara (80), Santiago de Cuba (63), Holguín (40), and Guantánamo (28).
These figures are significant considering that a total of 649 crimes were reported throughout 2023, including 265 robberies and 199 murders in 197 separate incidents, with 124 people suffering assaults.
The report explains that these statistics are based on meticulous monitoring of complaints and statements on social media and both state-run and independent media outlets. Due to the lack of transparency in public information, it is presumed that the actual figures could be even higher, similar to the discrepancies observed with femicide data, where official numbers exceeded those counted by independent organizations.
Furthermore, the reports indicate an increase in corruption, youth gangs, and drug consumption, linking these trends to the emergence of more widespread organized crime associated with the illicit activities of a new mafia-like oligarchy and their connections with other transnational crime actors like Venezuela.
The OCAC also mentions specific incidents such as those in the Finca de los Monos in Havana, which highlighted the growing gang problem in Cuba.
Since early 2024, the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Santiago de Cuba had already acknowledged the existence of criminal gangs dedicated to "instilling terror" among citizens. Recently, President Miguel Díaz-Canel also confirmed the rise in violence and insecurity in the country.
The observatory attributes the increase in criminality to factors like the decapitalization and deprofessionalization of the police force, shifts in social and cultural values, and a growing perception of impunity and corruption within the Cuban judicial system.
In its conclusions, the report criticizes the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the MININT for attempting to downplay the perception of insecurity by creating a "parallel virtual reality" that ultimately places the population at greater risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime in Cuba
Given the recent surge in crime rates in Cuba, many people have questions about the causes, implications, and measures being taken. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the situation.
What are the main types of crimes increasing in Cuba?
The main types of crimes increasing in Cuba include violent robberies, murders, assaults, and other forms of violent crime.
Which provinces in Cuba have the highest crime rates?
The provinces with the highest crime rates are Havana, Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Guantánamo.
What factors are contributing to the rise in crime in Cuba?
Factors contributing to the rise in crime include the decapitalization and deprofessionalization of the police force, changes in social and cultural values, and a growing perception of impunity and corruption within the judicial system.
What steps are being taken to address the crime surge in Cuba?
The Ministry of the Interior has acknowledged the issue, and there have been some government efforts to address the rise in crime, although critics argue that these measures are insufficient and fail to address the root causes of the problem.