The Ministry of the Interior (Minint) has boasted about swiftly solving the murder of Sergio Suco Martínez, which occurred on Sunday, July 12, in the Micro 70 neighborhood of Nueva Gerona, Isla de la Juventud. In less than 48 hours, they claim to have resolved the case while criticizing social media for allegedly spreading false information.
According to Facebook updates from host Ramón Leyva Morales, known as Carapachibey Pinero, Minint forces, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation System, successfully apprehended the confessed perpetrator and recovered most of the stolen belongings.
On Saturday, the Minint leadership in the area held a public event outside Suco Martínez's home, returning some of the stolen items to visibly shaken neighbors and family members.
The recovered items were handed over to the victim's niece and a close family neighbor, as reported.
Official Response to Social Media Claims
Major Mailen Briones Ballester, the lead criminal investigator on the Isla de la Juventud, told Radio Caribe, Islavisión TV, and Carapachibey Pinero that the case is closed and the circulating social media stories are false.
"A multidisciplinary team was assembled immediately upon learning of the incident. Within 48 hours, they detained the responsible party and recovered most of the stolen items. The case is completely resolved as the perpetrator confessed in detail," Briones stated.
Briones further advised the public to rely on official municipal channels for accurate information, following Minint's usual tactic of dismissing social media as a source of misinformation.
Rising Crime in Cuba
The report, heavily praising the law enforcement agencies, lacks specifics about the detained individual's identity or the exact nature of the social media claims deemed false by Minint.
The murder in Micro 70 is not an isolated incident on the Isla de la Juventud. In April, an elderly welder named Dagoberto was stabbed and killed in his own home during a blackout, allegedly over a theft of around $80.
Nationwide, a similar pattern persists: vulnerable victims, edged weapons, and theft motives. The Cuban Citizens Audit Observatory (OCAC) recorded 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, marking a 115% rise from 2024, with thefts being the most common offense.
July has been particularly violent. On the same day as the Nueva Gerona murder, Cuba confirmed its 40th femicide of the year.
On July 14, Yesneidy López Hernández was fatally stabbed by her ex-partner in Güines, Mayabeque, while her 15-year-old daughter was injured trying to defend her.
Public Reaction and Criticism
On social media, Cubans expressed skepticism about the official narrative. "They've normalized violence. It's painful to see what the country is becoming," one user commented.
Another pointed out Minint's contradiction: "They claim the case was solved in 48 hours but fail to address why there's so much insecurity and who is accountable for it."
Recently, actor Luis Alberto García warned about the rise in crime and criticized law enforcement for prioritizing political repression over public safety, noting that approximately 20% of the National Revolutionary Police force has resigned.
Understanding Crime and Security Issues in Cuba
How did Minint solve the murder case so quickly?
Minint claims that a multidisciplinary team was formed immediately, which led to the arrest of the confessed perpetrator and the recovery of the stolen items within 48 hours.
What criticisms have been raised against Minint's handling of the case?
Critics argue that while Minint resolved this case swiftly, they fail to address the broader issues of insecurity and rising crime rates in Cuba. There is also skepticism about the dismissal of social media reports as false.
What is the current crime trend in Cuba?
Crime in Cuba is on the rise, with a significant increase in thefts and violent acts. The Cuban Citizens Audit Observatory reported a 115% increase in verified crimes between 2024 and 2025.