Raúl G. Rodríguez Castro emerges as key Cuban envoy

Raúl G. Rodríguez Castro, a colonel in Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior and grandson of former President Raúl Castro, has emerged as a significant figure in negotiations between Cuba and the United States. Although he has never held public office, his influence has grown to the point that his name has been mentioned as a potential leader acceptable to the Trump administration.

Court records and interviews suggest that Rodríguez Castro may have used his position to facilitate large-scale smuggling operations. Allegations include helping funnel goods purchased with stolen credit cards into Cuba, accepting luxury items as bribes, and allowing wanted criminals to operate freely on the island. A federal investigation into these schemes resulted in the convictions of at least 21 individuals, though Rodríguez Castro has not been charged.