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6 clusters · 39 sources · 55 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: CRIME · POLITICS

Venezuela police purge and crackdown

Entities: Barinas · Policía Nacional Bolivariana (PNB) · Emprendimiento Frank Acero

Overview

In early June 2026 Vice‑President and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the dismissal of roughly 22,000 National Police officers for irregular conduct, tying the purge to a broader zero‑tolerance policy and noting a surge in enrolments at the National Experimental University of Security. Cabello ordered a raid in Apure that destroyed a clandestine logistics camp, seized aircraft and fuel drums linked to illegal trafficking, and framed the operation as part of the Territorial Defense System’s effort to protect sovereignty. Mid‑month he used his television program to publicly salute senior armed‑forces officers, projecting military unity, and reiterated his condemnation of police extortion at roadblocks, again citing the mass dismissals. After twin earthquakes in La Guaira that killed nearly 2,000 people, four CICPC investigators were caught on video attempting to take bundles of U.S. dollars from the rubble. Residents confronted the officers, destroyed the cash and posted the incident on social media. The officers were arrested, expelled from the force and faced prosecution. CICPC director Douglas Rico announced their “definitive and irrevocable” dismissal, and Cabello condemned the conduct as “indecent, immoral and impudent,” promising harsher penalties for officials who exploit disaster relief. On 30 June Rico released footage of the four officers removing their uniforms and badges after detention, confirming the theft of US$100‑note bundles, showing residents recovering about US$10,000, and indicating the officers were transferred to the Public Ministry for prosecution. The crackdown continued into July. On 28 July PNB officials in Anzoátegui arrested three suspects operating the “Emprendimiento Frank Acero” outlet, a front used to forge PDVSA‑style credentials and print counterfeit US $100 bills. Seizures included fake IDs, six counterfeit notes, computers and printing equipment.

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [CRIME] 6 sources
    Venezuelan PNB arrests fraud ring and dismisses officers after corruption videos

    Venezuelan police (PNB) busted a fraud ring in Anzoátegui that used a storefront to print fake US $100 bills and forged PDVSA IDs, and later dismissed three Barinas officers after a video showed them extorting

  2. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources
    Venezuelan police officers arrested for stealing relief funds after La Guaira earthquake

    Four Venezuelan police officers were arrested and expelled after a video showed them stealing cash and valuables from earthquake victims in La Guaira, prompting a public‑ministry investigation.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 25 sources
    Venezuelan police officers detained for stealing money from earthquake debris

    Four CICPC officers were detained and expelled after videos showed them stealing cash from earthquake rubble in La Guaira, prompting harsh criticism from officials and public outrage.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Venezuelan leader Diosdado Cabello showcases military support and warns against police extortion

    Diosdado Cabello aired a TV segment showing 74 senior military officers and warned police against extortion, pledging legal action and noting thousands of dismissed officers.

  5. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Venezuelan police purge and anti‑smuggling raid ordered by Diosdado Cabello

    Diosdado Cabello said 22,000 Venezuelan police were dismissed for misconduct and oversaw a CPNB raid in Apure that destroyed two aircraft and fuel linked to drug trafficking.

  6. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello Announces 22,000 Police Dismissals Amid Power Reconfiguration

    Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reports 22,000 police dismissals for misconduct while a LabPaz report says the interim government is reshaping power without moving toward democratic transition.

Sources

2001online.com · actualidad.rt.com · ahoradigital.net · alertas24.com · brasil.perfil.com · canaln.pe · caraotadigital.net · correiodointerior.com.br · cuestionentrerriana.com.ar · dgabc.com.br · dnoticias.pt · el-carabobeno.com · elclarinweb.com · eldia.com · eldiariony.com · elfrontal.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · entornointeligente.com · flicks.co.nz · focoinformativo.com · herold-verein.de · internacionalesnoticias.net · laopinion.net · lapatilla.com · larevista.com.ec · laVanguardia.com · m.rtl.be · mejorinformado.com · memesita.com · mittelaltergazette.de · noticias24hrs.com.ve · noticiasdeaqui.co · nyaopinion.se · portadaestrela.com · primicia.com.ve · pt.euronews.com · reportermt.com · technesstivity.com · tvprefeito.com