Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, widely known as "El Cangrejo," is a significant figure within Cuba's ruling elite. He is the offspring of Débora Castro Espín, Raúl Castro's eldest daughter, and the late Major General Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja. López-Calleja was the head of GAESA, a military conglomerate that dominates Cuba's economic landscape, until his passing on July 1, 2022.
Belonging to such a privileged lineage, Rodríguez Castro is deeply entrenched in the upper echelons of power. GAESA currently oversees nearly 90% of Cuba's retail sector, contributing substantially to the national economy, ranging from 30% to 40%.
Despite his relative youth, Rodríguez Castro holds a significant position as a senior officer in state security. Appointed in 2016 by Raúl Castro, he serves as the head of the General Directorate of Personal Security (DGSP) and holds the rank of lieutenant colonel within the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
Luxury and Privilege Amidst Crisis
In stark contrast to the hardships faced by ordinary Cubans, "El Cangrejo" leads an extravagant lifestyle. Despite the island's severe social crisis, Raúl Guillermo enjoys a life of opulence. His presence at lavish weddings, gourmet banquets, and exclusive yacht parties as a VIP guest highlights a level of impunity reserved for the ruling elite.
Within Cuba, Rodríguez Castro indulges in music and entertainment events, reminiscent of the privileges once afforded to historical regime figures, as if the island were a personal inheritance.
While powerful families like his enjoy luxurious travel, protected bank accounts, and access to foreign currency, millions of Cubans endure blackouts, food shortages, and extreme poverty. The double standards have not gone unnoticed; even the U.S. Department of State has criticized the situation, stating that while millions suffer, the elite enjoys frequent travel and luxury.
Controversial Incidents and Legal Immunity
One of the most controversial episodes involving Rodríguez Castro is the alleged accident involving Yudelky Peña Fonseca on April 23, 2022. Peña, a 19-year-old mother, suffered severe injuries in Mayarí, Holguín, reportedly caused by Rodríguez Castro driving the vehicle that struck her horse-drawn carriage.
Peña was left with debilitating injuries, including the loss of parts of her kidney, spleen, and liver, along with chronic pain that hampers her mobility and ability to work. The incident was conspicuously absent from official media coverage, and promises of assistance to Peña went unfulfilled.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there was no public investigation or accountability. Peña was forced to squat in an abandoned state property to avoid homelessness, living in extreme poverty with her children.
Business Ventures in Panama and International Connections
Beyond his lavish lifestyle, "El Cangrejo" has engaged in business activities abroad, particularly in Panama. Investigative reports have uncovered frequent trips to Panama in private jets since 2024, with at least 13 visits in 2024 and another 10 by September 2025.
These trips often coincide with key political dates in Panama and involve luxury jets, such as a Learjet 55 and a Dassault Falcon 900EX Easy. Rodríguez Castro's travels have been linked to regional business figures, including Ramon Carretero Napolitano, a contractor closely associated with the governments of Venezuela and Cuba.
Intelligence sources reveal that Rodríguez Castro has made substantial luxury purchases during these visits, including properties in Panama's Coclé province. These activities, coupled with GAESA's registered companies in Panama, underscore the Cuban regime's economic influence in the region.
Dynastic Privileges and International Criticism
The privileges enjoyed by the Castro family extend to the use of diplomatic passports. Leaked documents confirm Raúl Guillermo's multiple trips to the United States between 2012 and 2016 on a Cuban diplomatic passport, a luxury unattainable for most Cubans.
In 2016, he even traveled with his young son under diplomatic cover, receiving protection from the Cuban mission at the UN in New York. Officially funded by American cultural foundations, these trips aimed to mask the financial backing from the Cuban state.
Analysts highlight this as a common practice among the elite, using diplomatic privileges to circumvent migration controls and safeguard international economic interests.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez Castro's sister, Vilma Rodríguez Castro, has attracted attention for her real estate dealings and scandals. Like her brother, Vilma is part of the Castro elite, involved in renting luxury properties through platforms like Airbnb.
Understanding the Power Dynamics of the Castro Family
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," is the grandson of Raúl Castro and a prominent figure within Cuba's ruling elite, holding a significant position in state security.
What controversies surround "El Cangrejo"?
Rodríguez Castro is embroiled in various controversies, including a serious accident involving Yudelky Peña Fonseca and questionable business dealings abroad, particularly in Panama.
How does the Castro family maintain international influence?
The Castro family extends its influence through economic ventures abroad, leveraging diplomatic privileges, and engaging in luxury property dealings, often criticized for their hypocrisy and double standards.