Cuban nationals remanded over staged kidnapping
June 9 2026
Two Cuban nationals have been remanded to prison after being charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Felony in connection with an alleged staged kidnapping that triggered a police investigation earlier this month.
Daikol Tartabull Rodriguez, 22, of Lot 40 Grove, East Bank Demerara, and Iban Martinez, 28, of North Road, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where the charge was read to them. They were not required to plead and were remanded to prison until June 22, 2026.
The charge stems from an investigation launched on June 3 after authorities received reports that a Cuban national was being held against his will and that money was being demanded for his release.
The alleged victim, identified as 29-year-old Ivan Ravelo Martinez, was reportedly the subject of a ransom demand made to his father, who resides in the United States. The father reportedly received a photograph showing his son with what appeared to be a firearm in his mouth, accompanied by a demand for US$1,500.
However, investigators later uncovered inconsistencies in the initial reports. Sources indicated that Martinez allegedly told police he had not been kidnapped and admitted that the photograph was staged using his own air pistol in an attempt to obtain money from his father.
Police subsequently conducted enquiries at a location in Grove, East Bank Demerara, where Martinez was found inside a motor vehicle with several other individuals. During a search of the vehicle, investigators recovered an air pistol matching the one seen in the photograph.
The investigation initially led to the detention of seven persons, including the alleged victim. Those detained included a police constable, two Cuban nationals, a taxi driver, a mechanic, another driver and an unemployed man.
Police also seized two motor vehicles and several cellular phones as part of the probe.
Investigators reported finding discrepancies in statements provided by those involved and continued their enquiries to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The charge against Rodriguez and Martinez was instituted under Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
