Cuba’s Influence Network Under Investigation in the U.S.

This article is the first part of an investigative series exploring claims that Cuba’s communist government has built an influence network within the United States. Current inquiries by federal authorities are centered on this matter. The initial focus is on the network’s swift action after Raúl Castro’s indictment.

Just nine minutes post-announcement from U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding murder charges against Cuban leader Raúl Castro for the 1996 shooting down of civilian planes linked to the exile group Brothers to the Rescue, a well-organized response network in the U.S. began efforts to defend Castro and the Cuban Communist Party.

On Wednesday at 1:54 p.m., the Party for Socialism and Liberation, a Marxist political group active in the “Hands Off Cuba” initiative, released six pre-prepared graphics denouncing the indictment as “baseless” and framing it as a potential catalyst for another conflict.

Later, around 3:18 a.m. Thursday, Vijay Prashad, the executive director of the Marxist think tank Tricontinental, stated on X: “Cuba is not a threat to the world. The United States is.” He portrayed Castro as a revolutionary hero, drawing a stark contrast to Donald Trump, whom he described unfavorably. This message was shared without comment by Manolo de los Santos from the People’s Forum and leaders from Code Pink.

By 1:46 p.m. Thursday, Breakthrough News, a media outlet affiliated with the activist network, shared a video featuring staunch supporters of Castro declaring, “We will not hand over Raul.”

According to Fox News Digital, the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department are scrutinizing U.S. nonprofits and activist groups for potentially collaborating with Cuban officials on activities including lobbying, fundraising, and political organization as part of an ongoing foreign influence investigation.

The investigation identified around 145 organizations across various sectors—nonprofits, labor groups, and activist networks—supporting the Cuban government, collectively generating about $1 billion in annual revenue.

Lawmakers Raised Concerns Over Influence Networks

This messaging campaign raises alarms for national security officials regarding foreign influence in the U.S. It demonstrates how Cuba rapidly coordinates political messages across various organizations and platforms in response to significant geopolitical events involving the Cuban government.

Complicating the situation, several of the groups involved—like the ANSWER Coalition, Breakthrough News, and Code Pink—are reportedly funded by Neville Roy Singham, an expatriate tech entrepreneur in Shanghai with ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its agenda supporting Cuba.

The Cuban embassy in Washington denied any wrongdoing, asserting its diplomats are adhering to the Vienna Convention, which explicitly requires them not to interfere in the domestic affairs of other states.

The embassy claimed that engaging with civil organizations is routine and aligns with their diplomatic duties, highlighting that such interactions do not violate U.S. or international law.

Investigators are also examining several prominent activists connected to the Cuban Solidarity Movement, including Twitch streamer Hasan Piker and CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin.

Federal Investigations into Possible Coordination with Cuban Officials

Federal agents are looking into nearly 40 Americans suspected of collaborating with Cuban officials to transport goods into Cuba via organized efforts this year.

The groups under investigation encompass a variety of organizations like trade unions, nonprofits, and socialist political entities.

Evidence suggests the pro-Cuba network comprises seven distinct sectors, including the Singham network, trade unions, and various leftist organizations.

• Singham Network: Includes ANSWER Coalition, Breakthrough News, Code Pink, and related organizations.
• Labor Groups: Features unions like the AFL-CIO and Service Employees International Union.
• Cuban Delegations: Covers activist groups and humanitarian organizers.
• Socialist Entities: Involves several socialist and Marxist organizations across the U.S.
• Media Networks: Comprises various activist-oriented media outlets.
• Academic and Institutional Links: Includes networks involving educational solidarity missions.
• Humanitarian Activities: Contains organizations running agricultural and medical supply campaigns.

Investigators are also assessing if any organizations crossed regulatory lines by engaging in political activities under the guidance of Cuban officials without complying with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

This act requires U.S. persons involved in political activities at a foreign government’s directive to register, although advocacy itself is protected by the First Amendment. The scrutiny is on whether these groups transitioned from independent advocacy to organized political activity influenced by foreign interests.

Federal scrutiny includes examining whether coordination on aid deliveries or fundraising efforts might breach current sanctions against Cuba. Although humanitarian efforts are allowed, questions linger on whether certain actions may skirt around established regulations.

Concerns extend to how some organizations might obscure Cuba-related activities through various funding channels—a tactic that could attract regulatory examination.

As part of the ongoing investigation, former Cuban official Mike Gonzalez, now a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, characterized Cuba as a breeding ground for anti-American sentiment and revolutionary tactics, stating the Cuban regime has spent years fostering influence networks within U.S. civil society.

“A key query for law enforcement,” Gonzalez noted, “is whether these organizations are merely engaging in protected activities or crossing the boundary into orchestrated political conduct directed by the Cuban government.”