On June 25th, a significant milestone in the history of Venezuelan organized crime was established: Hugo Armando “El Pollo” Carvajal, former head of military intelligence under chavismo, pleaded guilty to all charges related to drug trafficking, conspiracy, and organized crime in a federal court in the Southern District of New York.
Before Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, Carvajal acknowledged his criminal responsibility for charges 1, 2, 3, and 4 from the formal indictment, all linked to his role in a transnational drug trafficking network that operated for years with the protection of the Venezuelan regime. Present in the courtroom were federal prosecutors, DEA agents, translators, court personnel, and his defense attorney, Robert A. Feitel. This plea change marks a point of no return in a case that is shaking the foundations of chavismo.
The sentencing is set for October 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the U.S. Courthouse located at 500 Pearl Street, New York.
This plea change, occurring after years of litigation, extraditions, and delaying maneuvers, judicially confirms what has long been denounced by analysts, journalists, and international organizations: the Cartel of the Suns is not a fabrication or myth, but a criminal structure that operated from the heart of Venezuelan power.
What Does This Confession Imply?
Carvajal’s admission of guilt carries direct and profound implications:
It legally validates the existence of the Cartel of the Suns, a drug trafficking organization composed of high-ranking military officials and chavista operators, dedicated to sending tons of cocaine to the United States and Europe.
It directly links the Venezuelan state to organized crime, dismantling any narrative of political persecution.
It opens the door to new investigations and possible charges against other regime members, including Nicolás Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, Tareck El Aissami, and other officials named by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Additionally, Carvajal has been referred to the Department of Probation for a pre-sentencing report. The U.S. government is expected to present a factual statement of the offense within the next seven days, while the defense must coordinate an interview with the same department within the next 14 days. Carvajal’s arrest remains in place during this process.
From Spy to Key Witness
Carvajal was one of the most powerful figures in chavista intelligence. For years, he led the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) and had access to state secrets, confidential operations, and networks of corruption and drug trafficking. His decision to plead guilty may be motivated by a potential cooperation agreement with the prosecution, which could make him a key witness in future trials against other high-ranking regime officials.
Chavismo is a Criminal Organization
Carvajal’s guilty plea reaffirms what evidence has shown for years: chavismo operates as an organized criminal network, with hierarchical structures, institutional protection, and a clear mission of illicit enrichment through illegal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, smuggling, and state repression.
This case is not an anomaly. It adds to ongoing judicial processes in the U.S. against dozens of Venezuelan officials, as well as international investigations for crimes against humanity, corruption, and financing of terrorist groups.
The world can no longer look away. Justice in the United States has spoken clearly: the Cartel of the Suns exists, and chavismo is on the dock of the criminals.