Raúl Castro's grandson linked to Cuban mafia in Mexico, NYT reveals

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban President Raúl Castro and a figure involved in U.S.-Cuba dialogue, has been linked to a Cuban network in Mexico involved in human trafficking, The New York Times reported, citing judicial documents. Known as 'El Cangrejo,' Rodríguez Castro is accused of leveraging his influence within Cuban power circles to shield a large-scale smuggling operation. This network allegedly facilitated the departure of individuals from Cuba while simultaneously importing illicit merchandise into the country. According to sources interviewed by the Times, Rodríguez Castro purportedly allowed goods purchased with stolen credit cards to enter the island in exchange for luxury items as bribes. He is also alleged to have permitted the free movement of wanted criminals. The network, referred to as the 'Mafia cubana de Quintana Roo,' was investigated by U.S. federal authorities in 2020, leading to lengthy prison sentences for at least 21 individuals. Rodríguez Castro, 42, has not been charged, and it remains unclear if he is under active investigation. The New York Times highlighted his prominent role in U.S.-Cuba discussions and his potential future leadership in Cuba. However, his name was reportedly mentioned to U.S. prosecutors by at least two members of the criminal organization, who identified him as a collaborator and facilitator for the group's members traveling to and from Cuba. The U.S. Department of Justice stated the group used stolen boats from Florida to smuggle Cubans to the United States. The report also noted that professional baseball players, including Adeiny Hechavarría and Yasiel Puig, were among those illegally transported by the network. Cuba's Foreign Ministry has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as 'calumnies.' Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos R. Fernández de Cossío told The New York Times that while criminal organizations profit from migrant trafficking in Latin America, they have no connection to the Cuban government. Rodríguez Castro has recently gained international attention for his close association with his grandfather during and after his presidency.

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there is no doubt that there are criminal organizations in Latin America that profit from the trafficking of migrants to the US, but they have no connection to the Cuban government.