Chilean prosecutors uncover the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua under Trump's control

• Chilean prosecutors have uncovered the activities of the Tren de Aragua gang.
• Crime in Chile has increased due to immigration from Venezuela.
• Deportations of those suspected do not resolve the problem of organized crime.

ARICA, Chile — Venezuelan gangs are a detailed aspect of their spending, recording even the smallest purchases. During police raids in northern Arica, documents were seized that testify to the structure of the organization, resembling a multinational company. This documentation pertains to Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that U.S. President Donald Trump designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Chilean prosecutors conducted a lengthy investigation, which led to obtaining sovereign verdicts for 34 gang members in custody. This investigation also uncovered other cases, the result of which was recently the sentencing of dozens of Tren de Aragua leaders to 300 years in prison.

Following mass deportations of suspected gang members from the U.S., prosecutors believe that this may lead to a loss of potential evidence necessary for tackling organized crime, which is increasing amid the ongoing migration crisis from Venezuela.

Transnational mafias have exacerbated crime in Chile, previously considered one of the safest countries in Latin America. They have infiltrated state structures, undermined human rights organizations, and threaten the stability of the region.

Chile, despite its reputation, has revealed itself to be unprepared for new forms of crime, such as kidnappings and murders. Over the past three years, experts consider Arica a case study for broader trends in combating organized crime.

In documents investigating Tren de Aragua, prosecutor Bruno Hernández and his team managed to demonstrate the structured activities of the gang, allowing them to obtain judicial verdicts. Following the arrest of gang members involved in murders in Arica, homicide rates dropped from 17 to 9.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. This could have resulted in a significant reduction in cooperation with international partners, such as the FBI.

Despite the decrease in crime rates, the demand for harsher measures against crime is growing in the country, as insecurity remains a key issue for voters in upcoming presidential elections.

Tags: Crime