U.S. Arrests Sister of Cuban Military Conglomerate Executive
In a significant move, the United States has detained Addis Lastres-Morera, the sister of a key executive in GAESA—a prominent military conglomerate in Cuba—on suspicions of connections to the communist regime.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on this development, noting that GAESA allegedly misappropriated millions meant for Cuban citizens, claiming it was done “at the behest of the administration.”
According to Rubio, Lastres-Morera was taken into custody by ICE after her lawful permanent resident status was revoked by the State Department. Officials indicated that she managed real estate assets while residing in Florida and reportedly lent support to the government in Havana.
Arrest Details
This action was initiated at Rubio’s discretion. Reports reveal that Lastres-Morera, who became a lawful permanent resident in 2023, was arrested following the suspension of her immigration status.
“Today, Addis Lastres Morera, a Cuban national with ties to the communist regime in Havana, was arrested on my direction after her LPR status was suspended by the State Department,” Rubio stated.
It’s worth noting that Lastres-Morera’s sister, Ania Guillermina Lastres Morella, was also sanctioned earlier this month as the executive president of GAESA. Officials have described GAESA as a group that exploits resources from the Cuban populace.
Rubio expressed concern over the situation in Cuba, highlighting that while the nation grapples with a failing economy, GAESA enables a small elite to drain resources, allegedly funneling $20 billion in illicit funds abroad. He pointed out that these actions do not aid the Cuban people but rather enhance the lifestyles of regime elites.
He continued, adding that as a senior executive, Ania Lastres Morella is implicated in managing these international assets, supposedly used to finance luxurious living and bolster ideological agendas outside Cuba.
Moreover, Rubio raised alarms about the worsening conditions in Cuba, citing power outages and significant shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. He argued that GAESA’s resource diversion is exacerbating these hardships.
“GAESA’s ill-gotten wealth is not being used for the essential needs of the Cuban people,” he said. “Instead, it enriches the elites in Havana while disregarding the fundamental needs of the population.”
