The FBI is intensifying its investigations into a cartel reportedly linked to Venezuela’s hard-left regime and anyone involved in illicit activities with the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, according to sources familiar with the matter. The main focus of the FBI’s efforts is the Cartel de Los Soles, suspected to have ties to members of the Venezuelan military. Individuals involved in business, finance, and other cartels may face potential legal action in the United States, as per insider discussions.
The goal is to dismantle the financial networks and operations of these groups, akin to the administration’s efforts against illegal drug trafficking during Trump’s presidency. While the Cartel de Los Soles is not currently designated as a foreign terrorist organization, the State Department recently labeled eight Latin American crime rings operating in the US as such, including the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua.
The FBI aims to disrupt the entire financial infrastructure of these criminal organizations, reflecting a key element of the “America First” agenda. The strategy involves tightening border security, removing criminals from the country, halting drug smuggling, and preventing their return. The Tren de Aragua, expanding its presence across multiple states due to lenient border policies, has been linked to various criminal activities in New York City.
Tensions between President Trump and the Maduro regime have a longstanding history, with Trump threatening military action against the government in his first term. Maduro, in response, cut ties with the US after Trump recognized Juan Guaido as the interim president following contested elections.
The current administration continues to oppose the Maduro regime, with officials expressing concerns about the dictatorship’s actions. Despite the public stance, the Trump administration engaged in talks with Maduro’s government, resulting in the repatriation of American hostages and the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela.
FBI Director Kash Patel, in a recent ceremony, emphasized the importance of addressing hostage situations and wrongful detentions, highlighting the agency’s commitment to these critical issues.
He aimed to combat narco-trafficking, which he referred to as the “foundation” of other illicit activities such as human trafficking and terrorism. In the previous month, the federal government extradited 29 members of a cartel from Mexico following a warning from President Trump about implementing a 25% tariff if Mexico did not take action against drug smuggling. Some tariffs were put into place last week after discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not lead to a resolution. The FBI has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Post.
