HAVANA (AP) — Cuba's Supreme Popular Tribunal announced on Monday that Alejandro Gil Fernández, a former economy minister, has been sentenced to life in prison for espionage. This case stands out as one of the most high-profile legal actions against an ex-official in recent years on the island. In addition to the life sentence for espionage, Gil received a further 20-year sentence after being convicted in a separate trial on charges that included bribery, falsification of documents, and tax evasion.
Gil served as the economy minister from 2018 until his dismissal in 2024 and was regarded as one of President Miguel Díaz-Canel's closest allies. In 2019, he was appointed as deputy prime minister, further solidifying his influence in the Cuban government. However, his downfall came just weeks after his removal when President Díaz-Canel described his actions as “serious mistakes” and emphasized the government's stance against corruption, albeit without providing specific details regarding the misconduct.
The Supreme Popular Tribunal did not disclose further specifics about the espionage activities of Gil or the identity of the entities or individuals for whom he was allegedly spying. The Associated Press has been unable to reach Gil or any legal representation on his behalf for comment on the rulings.
This case garners significant attention, as it is the highest-profile incident among governmental officials who have faced consequences since 2009, when former Vice President Carlos Lage and then-Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque were dismissed due to their involvement in the leaking of sensitive information. However, they did not face criminal sentences.
During his tenure, Gil was instrumental in implementing significant monetary and financial reforms in Cuba, particularly in 2021. These efforts were aimed at unifying the country’s currency system, a move intended to stabilize the economy. Unfortunately, these reforms coincided with an ongoing economic crisis in Cuba, leading to severe shortages of various products and causing an inflationary spiral across the island.
The court’s ruling highlighted that Gil “abused the powers granted to him” for personal gain, indicating that he accepted payments from foreign companies and engaged in bribery involving other officials. The implications of these actions underscore a broader context of corruption and political instability within the Cuban government.
