Security forces in Argentina have detained 12 people believed to form a cell of the Venezuelan organised crime ring Tren de Aragua.
According to a statement from Argentina’s National Security Ministry on Thursday, the arrests were made during 17 simultaneous raids on different households following a year-long joint investigation between the local courts, the Federal Police, the FBI and Interpol.
The operation, which targeted properties in the capital and the provinces of Buenos Aires and Corrientes, was coordinated by the Federal Police’s Anti-Mafia Department.
Officials described it as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal financial networks.
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich described the operation as “a fundamental step in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.”
The group allegedly whitewashed the criminal proceeds of the Venezuelan crime syndicate. Prosecutors estimate the cell may have moved as much as 200 billion pesos through a complex web of assets and transfers, according to financial intelligence gathered by Argentina’s PROCELAC anti-money laundering unit.
"The organisation channelled funds via the informal system known as 'Hawala,' eluding the formal banking circuits," read the Security Ministry’s communiqué. “These activities thus formed part of a money-laundering ring with the possible destination of financing international terrorism."
In addition to moving money via the Hawala system, investigators found evidence of purchases of high-value assets – including land, luxury vehicles, foreign currency and jewellery – aimed at disguising the illicit origin of the funds.
A Venezuelan identified as Guillermo Boscán Bracho, alias ‘Yiyi,’ was singled out as the leader of the gang. He allegedly oversaw operations from the Ezeiza maximum security prison, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
Boscán Bracho was arrested in late 2023 in Corrientes Province after an Interpol red alert. He faces allegations in his homeland of "extortion, homicide, terrorism and gunrunning," said officials in Buenos Aires.
Also detained were several close associates of Boscán Bracho, including his cousin Enmanuel David Urdaneta Bracho, known as 'Memei,' and his partner Adaly María Domínguez, who allegedly handled the syndicate’s asset management.
Others arrested include María Alexandra Bohorquez Carroz and her brother Diego, both accused of aiding in laundering operations.
Another suspect, José Antonio Lanz Guevara is believed to be a central figure in the Hawala network used by the group.
Authorities said some of the suspects are linked to a series of 2023 attacks in Maracaibo, Venezuela, involving shootings and explosives at commercial establishments.
Following the United States’ lead, Argentina officially recognised Tren de Aragua as among groupings that are "linked to terrorism" last February 25.
Founded in 2014 in Venezuela, the ring is implicated in kidnapping, robbery, drug-trafficking, prostitution and extortion, as well as illegal gold-mining and human-trafficking.
The 12 detainees remain in custody.
– TIMES/AFP/PERFIL
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