HAVANA, Cuba — A Cuban citizen living in the United States is reportedly facing an unusual form of extortion during his visit to the island: the loss of his Green Card has led to a public blackmail attempt demanding $4,000 for its return.
This incident, which first surfaced on social media, has sparked widespread public condemnation and raised concerns about the growing impunity of individuals operating on the island.
- A Cuban national visiting the island had his Green Card stolen.
- The perpetrator posted a photo of the card online, demanding $4,000 for its return.
- The victim refused to pay the exorbitant sum and sought help from the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
- The embassy provided assistance, and the victim is now in the process of returning to the U.S.
- Online commentators criticized the act as a reflection of corruption and advised victims to contact consulates.
The situation came to light on a social media sales page. An anonymous user posted a photograph of the U.S. Permanent Residence Card, complete with its identifying numbers, alongside a stark message: “I found this residence, I ask 4,000 USD to return it. If anyone knows the owner who writes me, 5 2732605, Havana, in front of me I adjust something.”
The public reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly negative. Users expressed outrage not only at the blatant illegality of the act but also at the brazenness of publicly soliciting an extortion payment for a U.S. immigration document.
The name on the Green Card belongs to Leonardo Peña de la Cruz, a 38-year-old Cuban. Records show him to be an active social media user, with recent posts indicating he was visiting Cuba.
Peña’s response to the blackmail: “$4,000, dreams.”
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Peña de la Cruz directly addressed the extortion demand in a social media story, responding with evident sarcasm. He stated, “Send me a Zelle, so he says that my residence has. JJJJ, 4 thousand, dreams.”
His reply clearly conveyed disbelief and a firm refusal to yield to the blackmail.
The publication gained significant traction within the Cuban community online. It was subsequently shared by a news portal, which framed the incident as indicative of a larger crisis. The portal commented, “This fact reflects the high level of corruption and impunity on the island, where even an official American document is used as an object of public blackmail.”
How the Green Card was lost
Peña informed journalist Mario J. Pentón that the incident occurred upon his return to his home province, Guantanamo. During a stop for a meal, strangers reportedly broke into his vehicle and stole his documents.
Peña recounted that he initially offered a $500 reward on social media. However, he soon received a message demanding $4,000, which he deemed “absurd.”
“That is unusual, crazy. No one is going to pay that amount,” Peña advised. “My advice is that nobody lets themselves extort. They go directly to the United States embassy; there they serve them perfectly.”
Peña confirmed that the U.S. Embassy in Havana provided him with full support and has already scheduled an appointment to facilitate his return to the United States without major complications. “Today I left the embassy with all my roles in order,” he shared with relief. “Tomorrow I must receive permission to travel.”
Reactions and advice: “Don’t pay, go to the consulate”
In the comments section of the news portal’s post, numerous users offered their opinions, criticized the extortion, and provided advice to the victim.
One user detailed the correct consular procedure for a lost Green Card: “And if I were the person who lost it, I remember that I should go to the United States Consulate in Havana and request a special document called Boarding Foil (formerly known as boarding letter). With this document, it temporarily replaces the Green Card and allows you to board a return flight to the U.S.”
The user further advised, “You must present: current Cuban passport, evidence of legal residence (copies of the Green Card, alien number, etc.), passport-type photos, and pay a fee (currently about $575 USD approximately). It is much better than giving $4,000 USD to the opportunistic Cuban who found it. And report it to the police for abusive behavior!”
Collective outrage and calls for accountability
The case ignited a wave of criticism, targeting not only the extortion itself but also the perceived system of impunity that appears to allow such practices to flourish.
One commentator lamented, “He is not able to say: let me deliver it and wait for the owner to give him a gift. That I am sure that he will only give it to him. This is the proof of why we are as we are and that not all Cubans, but many, profit from the pain and need of others.”
Another user urged Cuban authorities to intervene: “Well. That the authorities of Cuba take letters in this. That can be considered robbery and blackmail. For this reason, he must be imprisoned and convicted, and at the same time, recover the card and deliver it to its owner.”
“It is detestable, disgusting, and sad… humanity, goodness, human values will be the most difficult to recover in this country,” another internet user concluded.
