An investigative series by Fox News Digital examines claims that Cuba’s government built an influence network within the United States, now under federal investigation. The first part focuses on the network’s swift response to the indictment of Cuban leader Raúl Castro.
Rapid Response to Indictment
Nine minutes after U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced murder charges against Raúl Castro for the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes, a network was ready to defend Castro and the Cuban Communist Party. At 1:54 p.m on that Wednesday, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, involved in a “Hands Off Cuba” campaign, released six graphics condemning the indictment as “BASELESS” and “A PRETEXT FOR ANOTHER WAR.”
Early Thursday, at 3:18 a.m., Vijay Prashad, from the Tricontinental think tank, tweeted, “Cuba is not a menace to the world. The United States is a menace to the world.” Messages supporting Castro and criticizing the indictment spread across organizations like CodePink and the People’s Forum.
Federal Investigation into Influence Network
Federal officials, including those from the Justice and Treasury Departments, are investigating various U.S. nonprofits and activist groups. These entities reportedly coordinate lobbying, fundraising, and political efforts with Cuban officials as part of a possible foreign influence campaign.
Fox News Digital has identified 145 organizations supporting the Cuban government, with combined revenues of about $1 billion yearly. Key groups include CodePink, People’s Forum, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which participate in protests and other support activities for the Cuban Communist Party.
The accusations tie these groups to a network funded by Neville Roy Singham, a tech entrepreneur in Shanghai, known for supporting the Chinese Communist Party. The U.S. national security officials view the rapid-response actions as part of a larger campaign influencing political messaging across nonprofits, media, and activist coalitions.
Cuban Embassy’s Response
According to Fox News, the Cuban Embassy in Washington states its diplomats adhere to the Vienna Convention, operating within legal bounds to promote friendly relations. The embassy claims such interactions are not in violation of U.S. law.
Further Investigation into Activist Activities
Authorities are examining links between activists and the Cuban government. Figures such as Hasan Piker and Medea Benjamin are under scrutiny for their roles in the Cuba solidarity movement. Investigations include American engagements like organizing convoys to Cuba.
Nonprofits and organizations under scrutiny operate within several sectors, from labor unions to activist media and educational outreach. They are part of what has been described as a “Cuba solidarity ecosystem,” which includes entities like the ANSWER Coalition and BreakThrough News.
Legal and Financial Compliance Concerns
Investigators are assessing whether some activities breach the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by coordinating with Cuban officials without proper registration. The Treasury Department’s OFAC oversees sanctions against Cuba, with permissible humanitarian exemptions and licensed travel.
Some activities, such as fundraising and goods deliveries to Cuba, may have contravened OFAC regulations through methods designed to evade compliance scrutiny.
Mike Gonzalez from the Heritage Foundation attributes these networks and their activities to Cuba’s long-standing efforts to establish influence within the U.S. He emphasizes the need to determine if organizations have shifted from activism to foreign-directed political operations.
Leave a Reply