Meet ‘the Crab’: Why the US keeps talking with Raul Castro’s bodyguard grandson
Meet ‘the Crab’: Why the US keeps talking with Raul Castro’s bodyguard grandson
Meet the Crab – For years, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro has operated in the periphery of Cuba’s political spotlight, a figure whose presence is felt more than acknowledged. Known as El Cangrejo—Spanish for “the Crab”—the name derives from his unique physical trait: an extra finger on one hand. Yet this unassuming detail has not hindered his rise as a key player in the nation’s power structure. As the grandson of Raúl Castro, Cuba’s former president, he has long served as a shadowy yet indispensable figure, ensuring the elder Castro’s safety and shaping his public interactions. Now, amid heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba, the young Castro is stepping into a new role: a bridge between his family’s regime and the Trump administration. This unexpected shift has drawn attention, not only for its implications but also for the personal story behind it.
A Family Legacy of Power and Protection
Rodríguez Castro’s path to prominence is rooted in his familial ties. Born to Raúl Castro’s daughter Deborah and Luis Alberto López-Calleja, a retired general and former head of GAESA—the military consortium that controls Cuba’s economic empire—he inherited a position of privilege. While his grandfather, Raúl Castro, once dominated headlines as a revolutionary leader, the younger Castro has quietly built a network of influence, steering the nation’s affairs from behind the scenes. His role as a bodyguard is more than ceremonial; it is a lifeline for the Castro dynasty, ensuring their grip on power remains unshaken despite shifting tides in international diplomacy.
One of the most memorable moments of Rodríguez Castro’s career occurred during a 2016 state visit to France. As Raúl Castro walked the red carpet into a government palace, photographers became frustrated by the older leader’s pace. “Please! Bodyguard!” they shouted, drawing the attention of the younger Castro, who was trailing his grandfather. The incident, captured on camera, became a viral sensation, highlighting the playful yet precarious nature of his position. French President François Hollande, ever the diplomat, waved off the younger Castro, allowing the photographers to snap their desired shots. Yet, the moment underscored a truth: Rodríguez Castro’s proximity to power makes him a figure of interest, even when he remains unseen.
Behind the Scenes: A Dynasty of Influence
While Rodríguez Castro does not hold an official public title, his lifestyle reflects the benefits of his family’s legacy. He is a familiar face in Havana’s upscale restaurants, often seen driving a new SUV with a private security detail. Leaked videos on social media reveal him enjoying the perks of the Cuban elite: private yacht excursions, nights at high-end discotheques, and a life far removed from the daily struggles of the average Cuban. These glimpses into his private world contrast sharply with the austere image of the Castro regime, yet they also illustrate the system’s ability to reward loyalty with material comfort.
The younger Castro’s role in the Cuban government is as multifaceted as his personality. As a colonel in the Interior Ministry, he is tasked with not only protecting Raúl Castro but also managing the logistics of his appearances. During public events, he acts as a silent coordinator, whispering names of officials into his grandfather’s ear and signaling when to pause or continue a speech. This close-knit relationship has earned him a degree of trust, with Sandro Castro, his second cousin, describing the younger man as someone who “has risked his life for” his grandfather. “They have given so much trust,” Sandro said, emphasizing the familial bonds that underpin Cuba’s political machine.
“He wants positive changes for Cubans,” said Sandro Castro, who runs his own nightclub and is a vocal advocate for an agreement with the Trump administration to revitalize the island’s struggling economy. “Raulito has his life and I have mine,” he added, acknowledging their differing paths. “He is a military man, always his grandfather’s bodyguard, but he shares my enthusiasm for flashy cars, the jet set life, and Havana’s vibrant nightlife.”
Sandro Castro, who has carved his own niche as a controversy-seeking influencer, sees his cousin as both a product of and a potential catalyst for change. While the Castro family has long been associated with socialism, Rodríguez Castro’s personal interests suggest a more open-minded approach. This duality has positioned him as a unique figure in Cuban politics—a family heir who might one day lead the nation toward a more flexible economic model. The Trump administration’s efforts to renegotiate ties with Cuba have created an opportunity for such a transition, with Rodríguez Castro now playing a direct role in the process.
A Surprise Role in US-Cuba Relations
In March, the New York Times reported that Rodríguez Castro was among the Cuban officials who met with CIA chief John Ratcliffe in Havana. This meeting, which took place during a critical phase of US-Cuba negotiations, marked a significant departure from his usual duties. While his grandfather’s government had historically been wary of American influence, the younger Castro’s engagement with Trump’s team signals a subtle shift. “He’s cool,” Sandro Castro remarked, highlighting his cousin’s ability to navigate both the military and political spheres with ease. “He’s not a communist, either. He wants things to open up, too.”
Rodríguez Castro’s emergence as an interlocutor is not without its challenges. His family’s deep-rooted control over Cuba’s economy means that any concessions to US capitalism are closely monitored. Yet, with the Cuban economy struggling under central planning and sanctions, his position offers a pathway to reform. If negotiations with the Trump administration succeed, the younger Castro could reap the rewards of a reformed economic system, one that blends state oversight with private enterprise. His grandfather, now 94 and officially retired, may have stepped back from the limelight, but his legacy continues to shape Cuba’s future.
Despite his role in the regime, Rodríguez Castro’s personal interests align with the aspirations of many Cubans. While the state-run press rarely mentions his name, his presence is a testament to the Castro family’s enduring influence. From the 2016 Paris incident to his current diplomatic efforts, he has demonstrated a knack for navigating both the political and social landscapes. His story is one of privilege, duty, and the quiet evolution of a family dynasty that has ruled Cuba for nearly seven decades. As the United States and Cuba continue their complex dance of diplomacy, the Crab may yet play a pivotal role in shaping the island’s destiny.
With the Castro family’s grip on power facing new scrutiny, Rodríguez Castro’s position is both a shield and a sword. His ability to move between the shadows of his grandfather’s influence and the spotlight of international negotiations underscores his importance. While the state media remains tight-lipped about his role, the younger Castro’s actions speak volumes. Whether he will become a symbol of reform or remain a loyal guardian of the old order remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in a nation where power is often inherited, he has chosen to carve his own path, one that may redefine the future of Cuba’s relationship with the United States.