The U.S. Embassy in Havana has issued a security alert for American citizens and permanent residents traveling to Cuba due to an uptick in thefts of passports and Green Cards, along with extortion cases where money is demanded for their return. The embassy attributes this trend to worsening economic conditions, leading to increased petty crimes like bag snatching and more severe offenses such as armed robberies and homicides. Recent reports indicate that individuals are demanding between $4,000 and $5,000 for the return of lost documents, with some scams being identified through social media. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, secure their travel documents, and avoid offering rewards for lost items to prevent extortion. In case of theft, the embassy recommends contacting local authorities and offers assistance for provisional travel documents. For help, travelers can reach the U.S. Embassy in Havana or the Department of State through the provided contact information.
Is there a rise in theft and extortion of travel documents in Cuba?
