The most dangerous band in Venezuela, the Aragua train, arrived in Chile

Chilean authorities are on high alert following reports that a Venezuelan gang known as Trent de Aragua is involved in the smuggling of migrants into the country, further evidence that the group is expanding in the region. Insight Crime.

Chilean lawyers have basically opened at least four hearings Local media reports Members of the Aragua train have been involved in illegal immigration from Bolivia to Santiago de Chile.

At least 9 or 10 members of a gang that helped about 3,600 immigrants enter Chile have been arrested. Report Mega Notices on October 15, based on the trial in the north-central part of Chile.

In the north of the country, there is another lawyer’s office in Tarabase, on the border with Bolivia Al Seems Investigating three other immigration cases involving the Aragua train.

According to Carolina Chuvaso, attorney at the Northern Attorney’s Office, Some witnesses speak The involvement of the Aragua Rail in the transfer of migrants via distant border crossings in dangerous situations.

The first reports of the group being in Chile were before March 2021, when about 21 immigrants claimed to have been attacked by Venezuelan militants because they refused to pay to cross the border. A statement From Third.

Chile Police Has detected other cases Immigrants shot dead by members of Aragua train due to disputes over payment.

Insight crime analysis

Aragua train Has gradually expanded throughout South America, Often following immigration routes. In 2020, Insight Crime To the group “Criminal winnerOf the year, due to its expansion in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.

Now it looks like Chile and Bolivia could be added to the list of countries in this group.

The Aragua train has expanded greatly since its inception in the state of Aragua, where it began to participate in drug and arms smuggling and vehicle theft. In 2021 it was confirmed The presence of the group On the long-distance routes between Venezuela and Colombia, the control of lucrative criminal economies, such as the smuggling of immigrants, is controversial. This Put it in conflict With the National Liberation Army (Then), Noted that this is the most powerful criminal actor in the region Insight Crime.

Facing the enemy of this ability is a testament to Trent de Aragua’s enduring ability.

Officers Colombia And Ecuador They also said the gang was operating across the border between two South American countries.

Chile’s recent allegations point to a significant expansion of Aragua Rail’s operations, turning it from a particular transnational mob in Venezuela into a real regional threat.

There were Chilean officials With extreme caution Due to the increase in the entry of immigrants into the country in recent months, and is likely to test the resilience of the Venezuelan mob. However, if Trent de Aragua is established permanently in Chile and Bolivia, it could be extended to other significant cross-border economies, particularly for drug trafficking and trafficking.