Cuban Ex-Minister Sentenced to Life for Espionage and Corruption

Former Cuban economy minister Alejandro Gil has been sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage following a closed trial. He was additionally sentenced to 20 years for corruption-related offenses. Known for his 2021 monetary reforms, Gil was found guilty of bribery, document falsification, and tax evasion.

Cuba's Supreme Popular Tribunal has sentenced former economy minister Alejandro Gil to life imprisonment on espionage charges in a closed-door trial. Gil, once a trusted ally of President Miguel Diaz-Canel, faced a concurrent 20-year sentence for corruption-related offenses, including bribery and document falsification.

Gil's 2021 monetary reforms were criticized for exacerbating Cuba's economic woes. After being dismissed by Diaz-Canel in February 2024, Gil's absence led to speculation until his trials. The court found him guilty of abusing his position for personal gain, involving foreign money and bribery.

The trial marks Cuba's most notable corruption case since 1989, echoing the trial of General Arnaldo Ochoa. The court emphasized Gil's mishandling of classified information for personal advantage, adding severity to the charges against him.

(With inputs from agencies.)