I got given 10 Cuban cigars by the FBI after working with them a few years ago, it's was something like a special 25 year anniversary set, quite funny I thought at the time, all gone now, my cigar smoking is usually saved til after I return from 6 months working abroad where I carry one then smoke it on returning.
Criminal penalties for violation of the Regulations range up to $1,000,000 in fines for corporations, $250,000 for individuals and up to 10 years in prison. Civil penalties of up to $65,000 per violation may be imposed by OFAC.
They could have been terminated for such an illegal act.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/36/~/importing-cuban-cigars