Javier Sotomayor Denies Any Connection to Matanzas-Based Mipyme Amidst Tax Evasion Allegations

Javier Sotomayor, a legendary figure in world athletics from Cuba, has firmly denied any involvement with the Mipyme D'Soto S.U.R.L., a company embroiled in legal troubles due to a substantial tax debt with the National Office of Tax Administration (ONAT) amounting to approximately nine million Cuban pesos. The business, located in Matanzas and engaged in the gastronomy and online food delivery sectors, reportedly owes around 8.6 million pesos, as explained by Dariel Sotomayor, the distinguished ex-athlete's brother, in a Facebook post that has since been deleted.

Although this Mipyme is registered under his half-brother Dariel's name, speculation arose that the world-record-holding high jumper—both outdoors and indoors—might be the actual owner or an investor. Nonetheless, in a social media statement, the Olympic and world champion clarified, "Dariel is my half-brother, and D'SOTO is a Mipyme in Matanzas with a single owner (him). I have absolutely no connection to his company. I have not invested or received any money from it, nor have I been involved in its operations."

Responding to a post by content creator José Raúl Díaz Barrios on the mentioned social network, Sotomayor further clarified the confusion stemming from their shared surname: "Being Dariel's brother from our father's side means we share the same last name, and someone (I don't know who) concocted this story to make headlines, claiming I own D'SOTO. I am not a partner, despite both having the last name SOTOMAYOR."

"I have absolutely no connection to his company. I have not invested or received any money from it, nor have I been involved in its operations. Many comments have been made, but those who have truly been clients or employees of D'Soto know I have nothing to do with the company," he added.

The former athlete also mentioned that his bar, 2.45, in Havana, which is indeed linked to him, has been closed since November due to profitability issues, dismissing rumors of other reasons.

Meanwhile, Dariel Sotomayor, the administrator of D'SOTO S.U.R.L., could face tax evasion charges if the debt to ONAT is not settled. This situation has sparked various opinions on social media, especially due to the initial association with Sotomayor, a prominent figure in Cuban sports. Journalist Aníbal Oliva addressed this in a video on his digital platforms.

The news spread rapidly. Several outlets echoed the story. The profile La Tijera stated on X that "D'Doto S.U.R.L., Matanzas' most powerful Mipyme, is owned by Javier Sotomayor Sanabria with multiple branches and leasing contracts with state-owned companies based in Matanzas and Havana, managed by the frontman Dariel Sotomayor Rivero, the younger brother of Javier Sotomayor Sanabria, who is the true owner of this Mipyme."

It added: "The Mipyme incurred a massive debt with the provincial ONAT of Matanzas, which led to a thorough audit lasting over three months. Yesterday, they received the conclusions and must pay a multi-million peso debt of around 9 million pesos, or Dariel, the administrator of D'Soto S.U.R.L., will face imprisonment for alleged tax evasion causing severe damage to state public funds. Dissatisfied with the ONAT's audit decision, Dariel publicly expressed his profound discontent on Facebook, blaming individuals rather than the government, even comparing it to death, and expressing a desire to abandon everything and leave the country."