ICE HSI arrests sister of corrupt official profiteering from Cuban military-controlled organization

MIAMI - ICE Homeland Security Investigations arrested Adys Lastres Morera, a deportable lawful permanent resident whose presence poses a threat to the United States and undermines American foreign policy interests, on May 22. Adys Lastres Morera's sister, Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, is the executive president of Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., or GAESA, a corrupt organization that has a stranglehold on 70% of Cuba's economy.

"The Cuban military-controlled GAESA, which is the heart of that country's kleptocratic communist system, controls up to $20 billion in illicit assets," said HSI acting Executive Associate Director John Condon. "Adys Lastres Morera's presence in the United States has potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for our nation, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has determined that she is removable under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Allowing Lastres Morera to remain in the country would send a signal that Cuban regime-affiliated networks could continue to access the U.S.'s financial, educational and social institutions - but that is not the case. HSI will continue to investigate those with ties to our nation's adversaries and take appropriate actions to neutralize threats against our homeland."

Ania Guillermina Lastres Morena - Adys Lastres Morera's sister - is responsible for managing GAESA's internationally held illicit assets. The organization's revenues, which total more than three times the Cuban government's budget and benefit only corrupt elites, were funneled to hidden overseas bank accounts while everyday Cubans continued to suffer under the country's communist rule.

Adys Lastres Morera entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident Jan. 13, 2023, under the Biden administration. The U.S. government has not identified records indicating that she has filed for naturalized citizenship or applied for a U.S. passport.

On May 20, the U.S. Department of State determined Adys Lastres Morera was removable from the U.S. under Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Permitting her to remain in the U.S. and continue benefiting from access to U.S. financial, educational and social institutions risks undermining this nation's foreign policy objectives toward Cuba. It's also inconsistent with ongoing U.S. efforts to impose costs on and deny privileges to networks connected to Cuban officials who act against U.S. interests.

HSI arrested Adys Lastres Morera at in Miami, just days after the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a superseding indictment charging Raul Castro - brother of notorious dictator Fidel Castro - with murdering four people in 1996.

She will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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