The family of Eddy Ceballos, the mind behind Despingovery Channel, has disclosed to independent journalist Ernesto Morales that the cameraman who worked alongside him on an episode filmed at a former Soviet military base has now been detained as well.
"We are unaware of the specific charges against him, as he was initially released long after Eddy's arrest. However, we have learned that he has now been taken into custody," they stated.
In the same conversation, the family confirmed to Morales that Cuban State Security confiscated all the clothing and equipment that the comedian used on the day he recorded the episode, labeling them as "evidence" of an alleged crime.
According to a Facebook post, authorities seized the camouflage hat with a headlamp, utility vest, glasses, black gloves, and shirt that Ceballos wore during filming. Additionally, the phone used for recording and the camera stabilizer were confiscated.
"We had to surrender every piece of clothing and equipment he had that day," conveyed Morales, who has served as the primary conduit between the family and the public since Ceballos's arrest on June 1st.
The family interpreted this move as an indication that the regime lacks substantial evidence to support their case: "They're grasping at straws, as they have no real evidence of a crime. There's no case against him, and they're trying to fabricate one."
Ceballos, aged 38, was apprehended in the Diez de Octubre municipality of Havana during a large-scale police operation that prevented him from entering his home or informing his wife, Daniela Escarra.
The trigger was the release on May 24th of a preview for what he referred to as his "most warlike episode," showcasing an exploration of an abandoned military facility with Soviet missiles from the 1960s, radar systems, and Cold War bunkers.
On June 5th, he was transferred to the Combinado del Este High Security Penitentiary Center.
Initially, authorities informed the family that he would be charged with "military property invasion," a charge that Cubalex has highlighted does not exist in any current penal codes.
Subsequently, the case escalated to an accusation of "disclosure of secrets concerning State Security," a charge that can be prosecuted by a military court and carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison.
On June 17th, Ceballos's mother, Marieta Pérez Alfaro, reported that her son was physically assaulted while in custody, describing the prison, in Eddy's own words, as "the doorstep to hell, a place of immense suffering."
"The extreme nature of these accusations, branding him as a spy, confirms their intent to silence him, to make an example out of him," his mother told Telemundo 51.
On Father's Day, his wife shared a heart-wrenching letter on Instagram, accusing the regime of "tearing a family apart" to silence his voice.
Ceballos's case is part of a broader trend of increasing repression against digital creators in Cuba.
The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press recorded 69 arbitrary detentions of journalists in January 2026 alone, marking a 430% increase from the same month in 2025.
Cuba ranks 160th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
Understanding Eddy Ceballos's Detention
What led to Eddy Ceballos's arrest?
Eddy Ceballos was arrested following the release of a preview for his episode exploring an abandoned military site with Soviet-era missiles and bunkers, which was deemed sensitive by authorities.
What charges is Eddy Ceballos facing?
Initially charged with "military property invasion," the charges have since escalated to "disclosure of secrets concerning State Security," with potential penalties of up to 30 years in prison.
How has the family of Eddy Ceballos responded?
The family has been vocal in their criticism, asserting that the authorities lack real evidence and are attempting to fabricate a case to silence Ceballos.