The United States government has expanded its economic restrictions against Cuba, blacklisting five entities and one individual accused of funding and facilitating the Cuban government’s operations.

Sanctions Target Cuban Financial Sector

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures under Executive Order 14404, which was established by President Trump on May 1, 2026, to target repression and national security threats tied to the island nation.

The penalties effectively freeze the American assets of the targeted groups and cut them off from the U.S. financial system. Three of the newly sanctioned entities are directly connected to the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., commonly known as GAESA, which U.S. officials identify as the primary economic driver keeping the Cuban government running.

The State Department also designated Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, identified as the wife of Alejandro Castro Espín, the son of Raul Castro and the former head of Cuba’s intelligence services, who was previously blacklisted by Washington earlier this month.

Impact of Sanctions

As a result of the executive action, all property and financial interests belonging to these entities and individuals within the United States, or in the possession of U.S. citizens, are blocked and must be reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Any business that is 50% or more owned by the blocked parties faces the exact same restrictions.

The policy also carries significant warnings for international businesses outside of U.S. jurisdiction. Foreign companies and international financial institutions that continue to deal with these sanctioned sectors risk facing secondary American sanctions.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.