U.S./Cuba Embargo Violations

Apparently, the US-Cuba embargo only prohibits spending money in Cuba; it's technically legal to go there as long as you don't make any unlicensed transactions.

Without actually admitting to anything—

Suppose I went to Cuba for a few days without going to the State Department first or whoever handles that sort of thing. I traveled out via Mexico and back via Guadeloupe (which is a possession of France) and Cuban officials didn't stamp my passport. I didn't bring anything back to the US, so there's no physical indication of my trip, but I'm not willing to bet that the US will never find out.

Suppose, however, that I did not spend any money while I was there. I did not buy or pay for anything, and I did not exchange any dollars for convertible pesos. I did stay in a decent hotel and eat during the appropriate times of day, and I did use a hired car to get around the island, but I did not personally pay for any of those things; the entire trip was paid for by a friend who treated me to it as a gift. My traveling companion is a UK citizen and thus not affected by the US-Cuba embargo.

Given that scenario, I believe I am technically within the letter of the law. So what happens if the US finds out and begs to differ? Will I be able to escape any charges on this technicality?

There are no 'psychic friends' here. If you want to try it, you take your chances.