During the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Cuban state agents reportedly infiltrated the event by posing as athletes from other nations. The goal was to monitor and prevent Cuban competitors from defecting, according to a report by Listín Diario .
Agents posing as international athletes in Santo Domingo
Cuban state agents reportedly used disguises, including the uniforms of other countries, to conduct surveillance on the Cuban national team. This undercover operation intensified after two athletes had already deserted during the first half of the games, according to Listín Diario. The infiltration was so brazen that Dominican military officials reportedly detected agents inside an indoor competition venue while they were chasing athletes attempting to abandon the Cuban team.
This specific incident prompted a temporary lockdown of the venue and a full identification check of everyone inside the building. For decades, the Cuban government has utilized such strict surveillance to manage athletes traveling abroad, a practice designed to prevent competitors from seeking asylum in other countries. this pattern of control has seen many Cuban sports stars abandon their national teams to escape the communist regime's reach.
Five athletes flee as kidnapping attempts are reported
Five Cuban athletes successfully managed to desert the national team during the event held between July 24 and August 8. One athlete, a boxer known as "El Chino," told 14 y Medio that regime agents allegedly attempted to kidnap him and his teammates to force them back to Cuba. Due to these threats, "El Chino" is currently in hiding to ensure his personal safety.
While these athletes managed to escape the immediate reach of the regime, their path to stability remains difficult. José Alberto Fernández, who leads the association of Cubans living in the Dominican Republic, has been providing legal and logistical support to those seeking refuge. However, the process of securing official protection is complicated by the actions of the Cuban state.
The expulsion of nine Cuban embassy officials
The Dominican Republic's Foreign Ministry ordered the expulsion of nine Cuban embassy officials following the security breaches at the games. Listín Diario reported that the Cuban ambassador was among the officials who departed from Santo Domingo on August 16. While the Dominican government has not publicly commented on whether these expulsions are directly linked to the spying allegations, the timing suggests a significant diplomatic confrontation.
The Dominican government has maintained a level of discretion regarding the matter, with the Foreign Ministry releasing an official statement affirming that no further details regarding the expulsion would be provided. This lack of transparency leaves the full extent of the diplomatic fallout between Santo Domingo and Havana uncertain.
The mystery of the withheld passports and unconfirmed detentions
Several critical details regarding the fate of the defectors and the expelled agents remain unverified. It is currently unknown wheether the expelled Cuban nationals were detained or subjected to Dominican justice,as Listín Diario was unable to confirm their current legal status. Furthermore, the refugee process for the athletes is being hindered by the Cuban government's control over documentation. Unnamed sources told the newspaper that Cuban officials withheld the athletes' passports upon their arrival in the Dominican Republic, a move that complicates their ability to register for official protection.
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