The FBI is increasing its investigations of a cartel with alleged connections to Venezuela’s leftist regime and anyone involved in illicit activities linked to President Nicolas Maduro, sources have revealed. The main focus of the bureau is on the Cartel de Los Soles, which reportedly includes members of the Venezuelan military in its leadership. Individuals such as businessmen and financiers associated with this cartel, as well as other criminal groups, may face potential legal action in the United States, according to an insider familiar with the bureau’s deliberations.
Efforts to dismantle these groups are seen as a significant endeavor that, if successful, could make history. The source emphasized that anyone with illicit gains tied to these organizations should be concerned about the ongoing investigations. While the Cartel de Los Soles was targeted during Trump’s presidency for its involvement in drug trafficking, it has not been designated as a foreign terrorist organization. However, the State Department recently labeled eight Latin American crime syndicates, including the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations.
A second source revealed that the FBI’s objective is to disrupt the financial structures and operations of these criminal entities. Drawing a comparison to the administration’s efforts against ISIS, the source highlighted the commitment to prioritize national security and combat transnational crime. The strategy aligns with the “America First” movement’s goals of securing the border, removing criminals, halting drug trafficking, and preventing their return to the country.
By late 2024, Tren de Aragua had expanded its presence across multiple states due to what authorities describe as lax border policies under the Biden administration. The gang has been linked to various criminal activities in New York City, including robberies, shootings, attacks on law enforcement, and sex trafficking operations.
The ongoing tensions between President Trump and the Maduro regime have been characterized by the former’s strong opposition to the Venezuelan government. Trump’s administration clashed with Maduro, prompting Venezuela to sever ties with the US when Trump recognized Juan Guaido as the interim president amid election disputes. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s stance against the Maduro regime, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Maduro as a destabilizing dictator in a recent interview.
Despite the public confrontations, the Trump administration engaged in discussions with the Maduro government, leading to the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela and the repatriation of six American hostages. FBI Director Kash Patel, during his Senate confirmation hearing, emphasized the importance of addressing these security concerns as one of his key priorities.
The focus would be on combating narco-trafficking, described as the foundation of other illicit activities such as human trafficking and terrorism. In the previous month, 29 cartel members were extradited from Mexico by federal authorities following the threat of a 25% tariff by President Trump if drug smuggling from America’s southern neighbor was not addressed. Partial tariffs came into effect recently after discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not lead to a resolution. The FBI did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment from The Post.
