María Victoria Gil, the sister of former Cuban Minister of Economy Alejandro Gil Fernández, candidly addressed questions about potential contact between her brother and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) prior to his arrest in early 2024. During an interview on Thursday, journalist Tania Costa inquired about this possibility.
"I really don't know, Tania. My brother... how can I explain this? My brother is a very, very introverted person," María Victoria Gil responded, noting that she hasn't spoken directly with him for years. The inquiry arose amid secret discussions in Doha involving Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and U.S. representatives, following an incident in Venezuela on January 3 when CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Rodríguez in Caracas to discuss a political transition.
María Victoria Gil elaborated that she has not had a conversation with her brother for "many years." "The last time was when my son got married in Cuba to a friend from his high school, a great friend, to bring her here to Spain. And that was six years ago," she recounted.
She highlighted Alejandro Gil's international profile, which fuels such questions. "My brother speaks English incredibly well, as if he were born in England. He worked in England and managed maritime insurance companies. In England, several companies were under his name and control," she stated.
When asked about any potential CIA contact, her uncertainty was clear: "It's possible, Tania, I... but I don't know. I can't say yes or no because I simply don't know."
In January, Cuba's Supreme People's Court upheld Alejandro Gil's life sentence, handed down in December 2025 for espionage and an additional 20 years for corruption charges. This interview took place shortly after the regime evicted the family from their home in Miramar.
Regarding prison visits, María Victoria Gil revealed that her niece, nephew, and brother-in-law visit him approximately once every six weeks, though the conditions hinder meaningful communication. "There's a guard in front, and they can hardly communicate. It's mostly just, 'How are you?' and a little more," she explained.
She contrasted her open personality with her brother's reserved nature. "We are like two people from different parents. While I express everything, my brother stays silent," she said.
Since Alejandro Gil's sentencing, the family has closely monitored his situation. María Victoria Gil also accused Manuel Marrero of orchestrating the proceedings against her brother.
She mentioned that his prison is located outside Havana, though she couldn't recall the facility's exact name.
According to his sister, the only message Alejandro Gil sends from prison reflects his state of mind: "Calm, I'm calm. Justice will be done. Everything will pass. The truth will eventually come to light."
Questions About Alejandro Gil and CIA Connections
Was Alejandro Gil in contact with the CIA before his arrest?
There is no confirmed information about any contact between Alejandro Gil and the CIA prior to his arrest. His sister, María Victoria Gil, expressed uncertainty about such interactions.
What were the charges against Alejandro Gil?
Alejandro Gil was sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage and received an additional 20 years for corruption charges.
How often does Alejandro Gil receive visits in prison?
His family members visit him every six weeks, but the conditions of these visits prevent substantial communication.