Chilean Police Crack Down on Venezuelan Crime Syndicate ‘Tren de Aragua’
In a major operation dubbed ‘Tren del Mar,’ Chilean police have arrested 52 individuals and frozen hundreds of bank and cryptocurrency accounts linked to the notorious Venezuelan criminal organization, ‘Tren de Aragua.’ This group has a significant presence throughout Latin America.
Trinidad Steinert, a regional prosecutor from Tarapacá, explained that the illicit funds stemmed from a range of illegal activities. These included human trafficking, murder, kidnapping, extortion, immigrant smuggling, drug trafficking, and even the imposition of fines within territories controlled by the gang.
Venezuelan Prison Raid Uncovered Lavish Lifestyle
Last year, Venezuelan authorities raided a prison controlled by ‘Tren de Aragua,’ revealing a shocking level of luxury. The prison compound featured a zoo, a swimming pool, and even a Bitcoin mining operation.
Massive Financial Network Uncovered
Of those arrested in Chile, 47 were foreign nationals, with 17 found to be in the country illegally. The authorities have frozen 250 bank and cryptocurrency accounts, believing the group moved US$13.5 million (R$73 million) to seven countries, including Spain, the USA, Paraguay, Argentina, and Mexico. This operation is considered one of the most significant actions taken against the group to date.
David Saucedo, a security expert in Mexico, suggests that ‘Tren de Aragua’ is increasingly focused on money laundering, adopting strategies similar to those used by established cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
“Tren de Aragua has evolved impressively, transitioning from a mafia rooted in the Venezuelan prison system to becoming an international cartel already operating in the capital laundering business,” Saucedo stated.
However, Saucedo believes the recent crackdown will have a minimal impact on the organization. “It serves as a show for local authorities,” he commented, noting that such groups typically anticipate and account for these types of losses.
Cryptocurrencies Facilitate Criminal Operations
The preference for cryptocurrencies is attributed to their ease of storage, transport, and use in illicit transactions.
According to Ronna Rísquez, author of the book ‘El Tren de Aragua,’ the organization employs various methods to launder its criminal proceeds. These include front businesses, such as restaurants, and even online betting sites.
A portion of the laundered money is also used to bribe local authorities, which helps to explain the group’s continued growth and expansion.
A video shows police raiding a residence, making arrests, and confiscating cash and small quantities of drugs.
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