A young man, known as "the Squirrel," was caught in the act of stealing a chair from a Cuban woman's living room. His response when confronted—shaking, rapid and incoherent speech, complete disorientation—has left thousands of social media users shocked.
The video, shared on Facebook by a user identified as "Susana Guerrera," has amassed over 303,000 views, igniting a debate about the addiction crisis and the growing insecurity plaguing Cuba.
"We caught him stealing a chair from my living room. His name is the Squirrel and he's sent by someone named the Russian. He's stolen in the neighborhood several times, they catch him and then release him," Susana Guerrera stated in the 26-second clip's accompanying text.
Community Outcry Over Rising Crime
In the footage, those present are heard questioning the young man: "Who sent you?"
His response, amidst stuttered words, was, "With the Russian... the one who lives on 84." The young man also admits to previous thefts, including selling another chair, although his agitated state makes his words nearly unintelligible.
"He's just a tool for someone taking advantage of his condition to buy stolen goods cheaply," another person commented. Several users called for authorities to investigate this intermediary, who some also suspect might be a drug supplier.
Policing and Impunity Under Scrutiny
The perception of police impunity was also a target of criticism.
This pattern of "catch and release" is a common complaint across the island, exacerbated by a 20% defection rate among police officers over the past year, leaving entire neighborhoods without adequate coverage.
The video is part of an unprecedented wave of insecurity.
Alarming Crime Statistics Highlight Crisis
In April, Havana residents captured a suspected thief due to police inaction, with similar incidents reported in Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba. Also this month, a young man under the influence of chemicals was detained after breaking into a home.
According to the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Auditing (OCAC), in 2025, there were 2,833 verified crimes in Cuba, a 115% increase from 2024 and up 337% from 2023.
Theft was the most common crime, with 1,536 reported cases, marking a 479% rise since 2023. The alarming surge in crime in Cuba aligns with a cumulative economic contraction of 15% since 2020, driving more youth into marginalization and addiction.
"There's a lot of chemicals, the youth is lost," one user summarized.
"I see a lot of people laughing, not realizing the seriousness of the issue," warned another. "Crime has escalated to unimaginable levels."
Understanding Cuba's Crime Surge
What sparked the debate on social media?
The debate was sparked by a viral video of a young man, "the Squirrel," caught stealing a chair, which highlighted issues of addiction and insecurity in Cuba.
Why is there criticism of police actions in Cuba?
Criticism stems from a pattern of catching criminals and releasing them, alongside a high defection rate among police officers, leaving many areas without proper law enforcement.
What are the crime statistics in Cuba for 2025?
In 2025, Cuba saw 2,833 verified crimes, a 115% increase from 2024, with theft being the predominant crime, rising 479% since 2023.