Cuba’s former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil has been formally charged with espionage and a wide range of financial crimes, the country’s attorney general announced on Friday. The announcement comes after a nearly two-year investigation into Gil’s tenure as minister of economy and planning, a period marked by major economic reforms and controversy.

Details of the Charges

According to Cuba’s top prosecutor, Gil, along with several unnamed co-defendants, faces allegations including:

• Espionage and activities detrimental to economic policy
• Embezzlement, bribery, and money laundering
• Forgery of public documents and tax evasion
• Influence peddling
• Violation of rules governing classified documents
• Theft or damage of official documents

The attorney general’s office did not specify which foreign country or actors may have benefited from the alleged espionage activities. The charges carry severe penalties under Cuba’s penal code, ranging from 10 years in prison to the death penalty.

Background: Alejandro Gil’s Tenure

Alejandro Gil, 61, served as Cuba’s economy minister from 2019 until his removal in February 2024. He was considered a close ally of President Miguel Díaz-Canel and was tasked with implementing major economic reforms, including:

• Unifying Cuba’s dual currency system
• Increasing wages and adjusting subsidies
• Introducing new regulations for private employment and cooperatives

While these policies were intended to stabilize the economy, they coincided with worsening inflation, a devalued national currency, and significant challenges for state-owned enterprises. Official statements at the time of Gil’s dismissal described his conduct as “grave errors,” but offered few specifics.

Investigation and Public Silence

Since the investigation began, Gil has not publicly addressed the accusations and has largely remained out of the public eye. No trial date has been announced, and observers say the lack of transparency has raised concerns about Cuba’s legal process for high-profile cases.

Economic and Political Implications

Gil’s charges come at a time when Cuba’s economy is under severe strain, marked by rising inflation, blackouts, and ongoing shortages of essential goods. Experts suggest the case may signal a crackdown on former officials or a broader effort to reinforce control over economic policy and accountability.

While details on the potential foreign beneficiaries of the alleged espionage remain unclear, the accusations add another layer of political intrigue to Cuba’s already challenging economic environment.