María Victoria Gil, the sister of former Cuban Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández, expressed in an interview with CiberCuba that the corruption charges against the ex-official are based on events from the 1990s. She insists these allegations have no connection to his long-held position at the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
“All the corruption involving my brother amounts to 4,000 CUC,” Vicky Gil stated, referring to the accusations that led to one of the criminal cases against the former leader.
As a lawyer, Vicky Gil claims to have had access to details of the judicial process and even possesses documents related to the prosecution's case, although she noted she cannot make them public.
“I have in my possession the prosecutor's conclusions regarding my brother's case,” she disclosed.
However, she pointed out that she cannot read or publish the document because the person who provided it—a “very important judge in our country”—has not given her permission to do so.
Regarding the prosecutor, she described him as a seasoned official within the Cuban judicial system.
Questioning the Severity of the Charges
During the interview, María Victoria Gil challenged the severity of the charges presented by the prosecution in the corruption trial.
“It’s unbelievable that a prosecutor would request a thirty-year prison sentence for a human being over outdated administrative violations,” she argued.
According to her, the case dates back to when Alejandro Gil was a manager at a company named Caudal in the 1990s. During that time, she claims he received royalties totaling 4,000 CUC.
“My brother has committed no crime. My brother is not corrupt,” she emphasized.
The sister of the ousted minister explained that this money was allegedly given to a cousin to exchange from CUC to dollars, and stressed that the actions, if they occurred, are time-barred.
“All the corruption involving my brother is limited to 4,000 CUC… Events from the nineties, and they’re also time-barred,” she insisted.
She also maintained that this incident “has nothing to do with the Ministry of Economy and Planning,” a department Alejandro Gil led for several years before falling out of favor with the government.
Family Under Pressure
The former minister’s sister also claimed that her nephews live in fear following their father's downfall.
“My nephews are filled with fear, panic, threatened. They don’t write to me, they only send hearts and kisses, but no information,” she asserted.
She learned details of the process through old acquaintances and contacts within Cuba.
“I was a lawyer in Cuba and I have informants, people who care about me and have been brave enough to send me very important things,” she declared.
Allegations of Political Persecution
María Victoria Gil also argued that her brother, after receiving a life sentence for espionage, should be considered a political prisoner.
Nevertheless, she stated that in a potential political transition in Cuba, the former minister would also need to answer for his role within the system.
According to her, “he will be judged during the transition for being part of the system,” but she expressed hope that he would receive a fair trial in such a scenario.
She further suggested that her brother’s disgrace might be linked to sensitive information about the military conglomerate GAESA.
“He found out things about GAESA, and Marrero was tasked with taking him down,” she claimed.
Judgments Against Alejandro Gil
María Victoria Gil’s statements come weeks after Cuba’s Supreme People’s Court confirmed harsh sentences against the former minister.
Gil Fernández was tried in two separate criminal cases and found guilty of offenses deemed “extremely serious.”
In one case, he received a life sentence after being convicted of espionage, bribery, actions against economic activity, theft of official documents, and breaches related to handling classified information.
In a second criminal case—which María Victoria refers to—he was sentenced to 20 years for ongoing bribery, forgery of public documents, influence peddling, and tax evasion.
Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of his property and banned him from holding positions related to the management of human, material, or financial resources, among other additional penalties.
According to the official note from the Supreme People’s Court, the former minister allegedly used his responsibilities to gain personal benefits, receive funds from foreign companies, and manipulate classified information, actions the Cuban authorities labeled a severe betrayal of the State.
Until his abrupt removal in early 2024, Alejandro Gil Fernández had been one of the most visible figures in Miguel Díaz-Canel's cabinet, marking the beginning of one of the most publicized legal proceedings in recent Cuban history.
FAQs on Alejandro Gil's Corruption Case
What is the basis of the corruption charges against Alejandro Gil?
The charges are based on events from the 1990s, related to his management role at a company called Caudal, involving an alleged sum of 4,000 CUC.
Why does María Victoria Gil consider her brother a political prisoner?
She argues that the life sentence for espionage is politically motivated and that he should be considered a political prisoner. She believes his downfall is tied to sensitive information he uncovered about GAESA.
What were the sentences given to Alejandro Gil in his trials?
Alejandro Gil received a life sentence for espionage and other serious charges, and a 20-year sentence in a second case for bribery, document forgery, influence peddling, and tax evasion.