The Department of State has designated ten entities to advance the Trump Administration’s efforts to counter the Cuban regime’s malign activities domestically and across the Western Hemisphere. These measures target key components of the regime’s apparatus, including state-owned enterprises that generate revenue for the government and paramilitary forces, as well as surveillance organizations responsible for suppressing dissent.
In a July 11 statement commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Cuban government’s violent crackdown on widespread protests, the Secretary emphasized: “The United States will continue to use all available tools to address national security threats posed by the Cuban Communist regime and to promote economic and political reforms that will lead to a better future for Cuba.”
All entities listed today have been sanctioned under Executive Order (E.O.) 14404, which authorizes penalties against individuals and organizations linked to repression in Cuba and other threats to U.S. national security interests.
Instruments of Repression Under Sanctions
The following entities are designated for their roles in enabling and funding the Cuban government’s violent suppression of its citizens.
Militia of Territorial Troops (MTT)
MILITIA OF TERRITORIAL TROOPS (MTT) has been designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(F) of E.O. 14404 as a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the Cuban government. MTT functions as a part-time civilian paramilitary force under the command of the already sanctioned Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba (MINFAR).
Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution (ACRC)
ASSOCIATION OF COMBATANTS OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION (ACRC) is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(B) of E.O. 14404 for being owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, the Cuban government. ACRC operates as a social and paramilitary organization overseen by MINFAR, conducting surveillance on dissidents under the direction of the sanctioned Ministry of the Interior of Cuba.
Antillean Exporting Corporation (ANTEX SA)
ANTILLIAN EXPORTING CORPORATION (ANTEX SA) is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(B) of E.O. 14404 for its ties to Cuba’s Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), a sanctioned entity. ANTEX S.A., a Cuban state-owned company, manages the export of forced labor to Angola.
Rapid Response Brigades
RAPID RESPONSE BRIGADES is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(B) of E.O. 14404 for being owned or controlled by the Cuban government. These armed civilian groups function as para-police units, organized and trained by state authorities.
Sanctioned Funding Entities
The following Cuban state-owned entities are targeted for generating and channeling revenue that sustains the regime.
Enetec S.A.
ENETEC S.A. is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(A) of E.O. 14404 for operating in the Cuban energy sector. The firm engages in importing and exporting fuels and lubricants.
Coreydan S.A.
COREYDAN S.A. is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(A) of E.O. 14404 for its involvement in the energy sector. This state entity imports and distributes solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.
Foreign Trade Business Group (GECOMEX)
FOREIGN TRADE BUSINESS GROUP (GECOMEX) is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(B) of E.O. 14404 for its ownership by the Cuban government. GECOMEX oversees the majority of Cuba’s foreign trade, managing substantial portions of the nation’s imports and exports.
Higher Business Management Organization Caudal SA (CAUDAL)
HIGHER BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION CAUDAL SA (CAUDAL) is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(B) of E.O. 14404 for its ties to the Cuban regime. CAUDAL provides insurance, reinsurance, and financial services.
Port Maritime Transport Business Group (GEMAR)
PORT MARITIME TRANSPORT BUSINESS GROUP (GEMAR) is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(B) of E.O. 14404 for its state ownership. GEMAR is a significant player in Cuba’s maritime transportation sector.
Ministry of Tourism of Cuba (MINTUR)
MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF CUBA (MINTUR) is designated under Sec. 2(a)(i)(F) of E.O. 14404 as a government agency. MINTUR regulates tourism in and out of Cuba and is the largest entity in the tourism sector outside of GAESA.
Sanctions Impact
These designations block all property and interests in property of the sanctioned entities located in the U.S. or held by U.S. persons. Entities owned 50% or more by sanctioned parties are also blocked. All transactions involving these entities by U.S. persons or entities within the U.S. are prohibited unless authorized by OFAC. Foreign individuals or institutions engaging with sanctioned entities in the energy, defense, metals, financial, or security sectors may face secondary sanctions.
