In the early hours of Friday, an electric cargo tricycle was stolen in front of the pharmacy at Camagüey Provincial Hospital, situated near the Coffee and Tobacco offices. Its owners are now offering a reward for its return, as publicly announced by José L. Tan Estrada on the TanteandoCuba Facebook page.
The missing vehicle is a turquoise blue E-Cargo tricycle by MZ Products, featuring a cabin and rear loading platform. It was usually parked in this very spot by its owner, a routine that appears to have been exploited by the thieves.
"The family is willing to offer a reward for credible information that leads to the recovery of the vehicle," wrote Tan Estrada in his social media post. However, the amount of the reward remains undisclosed.
Electric Vehicle Thefts on the Rise in Camagüey
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of electric vehicle thefts plaguing Camagüey with increasing frequency. Just last August, a private parking facility in the city witnessed the theft of an electric bicycle and motorcycle during the night. Residents have also reported thefts in the vicinity of the provincial hospital.
In September, another Camagüey resident offered a 500,000 pesos reward after losing his motorcycle to an alleged buyer. Then, in October, a young man suffered a broken arm during a violent motorcycle robbery in the same province.
The High Stakes of Electric Tricycle Thefts
Electric tricycles have become highly sought after by criminals in Cuba. With their substantial value in the informal market—some fetching over $2,000—and their role as a primary income source for many families, they have become prime targets. In August, a woman in Havana reported the theft of her electric tricycle, which was the sole means of support for her family, including two children.
The violence linked to these thefts has escalated into deadly confrontations. In April, 35-year-old Adonis Fuentes González was killed in Cienfuegos during a robbery for his tricycle; in May, Ramón Orlando Martínez was fatally stabbed in Santiago de Cuba under similar circumstances.
Social Media as a Tool for Justice
With police responses often slow or absent, affected families have turned to social media as their primary tool for seeking justice. The widespread practice of sharing photos of stolen vehicles and offering financial rewards has become a grassroots method of applying pressure across the island.
The crime landscape in Cuba signifies a persistent decline: according to data from the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory reported by El Toque, there were 2,833 crimes verified in 2025, a 115% increase compared to 2024, with thefts as the most prevalent category, totaling 1,536 cases—a 479% rise from 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Tricycle Thefts in Cuba
Why are electric tricycles targeted by thieves in Cuba?
Electric tricycles are targeted due to their high value on the informal market, where they can sell for over $2,000, and their role as a crucial income source for many families.
How are families responding to the thefts?
Families are utilizing social media to share images of stolen vehicles and offer rewards, hoping to gather information that leads to recovery.
What measures are being taken to combat the rise in thefts?
While specific measures are not detailed, the use of social media to mobilize public support and awareness is a significant step taken by affected families.