U.S. investigations into the Cartel de los Soles could lead to the dismantling of a global drug trafficking network operating from Venezuela. This information comes from sources within the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The Cartel de los Soles is a criminal organization allegedly led by high-ranking officials in the Venezuelan regime—including Nicolás Maduro—and senior military officers, controlling the drug trafficking operations within the country.
U.S. agencies have intensified their investigations into this criminal organization, targeting multiple fronts, which indicates a potential dismantling and disarticulation of this globally-reaching criminal group.
Hierarchy, Leadership, and Drug Trafficking Operations
U.S. agency investigations have identified high-ranking military officials.
Investigations by the aforementioned U.S. agencies have identified senior military officials, along with key figures in the Venezuelan regime, as supposed leaders of the Cartel de los Soles.
These inquiries aim to establish the roles of generals and ministers linked to the command structure as facilitators of large-scale cocaine trafficking.
The drug trafficking routes from Venezuela to the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe are under intense scrutiny. Documented evidence includes the use of military and civilian aircraft, as well as the shipment of cocaine from Venezuelan ports to international distribution networks.
Connections with Terrorist Groups
One of the most sensitive aspects of the investigation is the cartel’s connection to armed and terrorist groups. Intelligence documents suggest that the Cartel de los Soles has closely collaborated with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), allegedly providing protection and access to trafficking routes.
Additionally, possible ties with terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas are being examined, particularly concerning financing and money laundering.
Corruption and Co-optation of the State
The Cartel de los Soles is said to have infiltrated key Venezuelan state institutions, including the armed forces and judicial system, to ensure the impunity of its operations.
The investigation also looks into the use of bribes to facilitate drug trafficking and money laundering.
Financial Infrastructure and Money Laundering
Million-dollar money transfers linked to the Cartel de los Soles have been traced, utilizing front companies and proxies in different countries to conceal their illicit profits.
The inquiries include analyzing banking networks and cryptocurrencies used to transfer funds without detection.
Use of Venezuelan State Resources
Intelligence reports from the involved U.S. agencies indicate that the Cartel de los Soles employs state infrastructure, such as military airports and radar systems, to facilitate drug trafficking.
Furthermore, investigations are underway to determine if government officials provide protection for shipments destined for foreign markets.
Geopolitical Impact and Threat to the U.S.
Investigators are evaluating the hypothesis that the Nicolás Maduro regime uses cocaine as a weapon against the United States, an illegal activity that contributes to the fentanyl crisis and other narcotics issues in the U.S.
This dimension of the investigation is gaining relevance in the national security debate in Washington.
International Support Network and Maduro’s Direct Involvement
The Department of Justice is also tracking businessmen, financiers, and international actors that enable the operations of the Cartel de los Soles. Connections have been detected in Mexico, Spain, Russia, and Turkey, among other nations.
The investigations include testimonies and evidence pointing to Nicolás Maduro’s personal involvement in cocaine shipment negotiations and coordination with drug trafficking groups. This factor is crucial in the open case in New York against the Venezuelan leader.
Technology and Encrypted Communications
Finally, encrypted communication methods and advanced technology used by the cartel to evade detection by U.S. intelligence agencies are being studied.
Investigations are ongoing and may lead to formal charges against Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking officials of the Venezuelan regime. U.S. authorities have made it clear that their ultimate goal is to dismantle the cartel and prosecute its leaders.
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