MIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors are moving forward with plans to pursue criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, according to three individuals with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday. This development occurs as President Donald Trump considers potential military action against the communist nation.
According to one source, the proposed charges relate to Castro’s suspected involvement in the 1996 downing of four aircraft belonging to Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based exile organization. Castro served as defense minister during that time period.
The three sources requested anonymity as they were not permitted to speak publicly about the active investigation.
CBS initially reported on the possible charges, which would require grand jury approval to proceed.
In March, The AP revealed that Miami’s U.S. Attorney had established a specialized team of prosecutors and federal agents to develop cases against senior Cuban leadership. This followed demands from multiple south Florida Republicans to reexamine Castro’s suspected connection to the 1996 aircraft incident. The United States has secured only one conviction for conspiracy to commit murder related to this event.
While Trump works to conclude military operations in Iran, observers anticipate he may refocus on Cuba after promising a “friendly takeover” of the nation earlier this year if its government failed to welcome American investment and remove U.S. enemies.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted meetings with Cuban representatives, including Castro’s grandson, during a significant diplomatic visit to the island on Thursday.
The 94-year-old Castro assumed the presidency from his brother Fidel Castro in 2011, later transferring authority to his chosen successor, Miguel Díaz-Canel, in 2019. Though he has maintained a low profile since stepping down as Cuban Communist Party leader in 2021, many believe he continues to exercise influence from behind the scenes. This is highlighted by the prominent role of his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who previously held confidential meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
