The New York Times has unveiled an extensive report on Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," linking him to a transnational criminal network currently under FBI investigation. This network has allegedly operated for years between Cuba, Mexico, and Florida.
Entitled "From Bodyguard to Power Broker: The Rise of Raúl Rodríguez Castro," the article delves into the allegations made by two convicted individuals from the so-called "Cuban Mafia in Quintana Roo." They accuse Rodríguez Castro of collaborating with a group involved in smuggling Cuban migrants and trafficking stolen boats from Florida.
Despite being a colonel in the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), "El Cangrejo" has not been formally charged with any crimes in the United States. The report notes that it remains unclear whether he is currently a target of the ongoing federal investigation.
Gifts and Allegations: A Boat, a Rolex, and More
Among the testimonies highlighted is that of José Miguel González Vidal, who is serving a 25-year prison sentence. He alleged to U.S. authorities that Rodríguez Castro received a boat from the criminal organization.
Based on information from three sources familiar with the investigation, the report indicates that González Vidal claimed the network bribed Raúl Castro's grandson to keep the Cuban Coast Guard and Customs at bay. In exchange for facilitating the entry of goods purchased in Mexico with stolen credit cards, Rodríguez Castro reportedly received a high-performance Fountain 38 speedboat, a Rolex watch, a Suzuki motorcycle, and Louis Vuitton clothing.
The goods smuggled into the island were allegedly sold in Cuban government stores, González Vidal asserted.
The New York Times suggests that González Vidal's account is not the sole piece of evidence available to investigators. Text and voice messages extracted from cell phones belonging to network members reportedly support his testimony.
Another individual, Reynaldo Crespo Márquez, who is serving a 20-year sentence, was questioned during a Miami trial about a meeting where, according to his prior statement to prosecutors, González Vidal and Rodríguez Castro discussed sending a boat to Cuba.
The Smuggling Network's Operations
The "Cuban Mafia in Quintana Roo" utilized stolen boats from southern Florida to clandestinely transport Cubans to Mexico, from where they aimed to reach the United States. Migrants were detained in safe houses while payments were demanded for their passage. According to court testimonies, some migrants were tortured when unable to pay. The U.S. investigation led to the conviction of at least 21 individuals.
The Cuban government has dismissed these accusations. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío labeled them as "slander" in his comments to the New York Times, asserting that "there is no connection with the Cuban government."
These revelations are particularly significant due to Rodríguez Castro's increasing influence within Cuban power structures. After years as his grandfather's bodyguard and aide, "El Cangrejo" has emerged as a key figure in communications between Havana and Washington. The American newspaper reports that this year, he held separate meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raúl Castro's Grandson's Alleged Criminal Ties
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," is the grandson of Raúl Castro and a colonel in the Ministry of the Interior in Cuba.
What is the "Cuban Mafia in Quintana Roo"?
The "Cuban Mafia in Quintana Roo" is a criminal organization accused of using stolen boats to smuggle Cuban migrants from Florida to Mexico, from where they attempted to reach the United States.
Has Rodríguez Castro been charged with any crimes in the U.S.?
As of now, Rodríguez Castro has not been formally charged with any crimes in the United States, and it is unclear if he is a target of the ongoing federal investigation.