Aragua Train Money Launderer Arrested in Spain, Linked to $138 Million Scheme
Table of Contents
Spain’s National Police have arrested a woman connected to the Aragua Train criminal organization, wanted by Chilean authorities for allegedly laundering over $138 million in illicit funds. The arrest, made in Molina de Segura, Murcia, follows a broader crackdown on the Venezuelan-origin gang’s expanding operations across Latin America and Europe.
The woman’s detention comes after a significant operation in Chile where 52 members of the Aragua Train were initially arrested, prompting her flight from the country. According to a statement released this Wednesday by the General Directorate of the Police, the suspect played a central role in facilitating the movement of illegally obtained money.
Expanding Reach of the Aragua Train
The Aragua Train, originally formed in Venezuela, has rapidly expanded its criminal network throughout Latin America and now into Europe. The organization is known for a range of illicit activities, including scams and extortion. This latest arrest highlights the group’s sophisticated financial infrastructure and its attempts to establish a foothold in European markets.
Chilean Investigation Leads to Spanish Arrest
The investigation leading to the woman’s arrest began in July, when Chilean authorities alerted Spain to her possible presence within the country. A Red Notice issued by Chile detailed her alleged involvement in laundering money derived from scams and extortion schemes. She reportedly provided bank accounts and cards to receive illicit funds, subsequently transferring them to front companies controlled by the organization.
“Chilean authorities estimate that the transfers exceeded 138 million dollars,” a senior official stated.
Dismantling Aragua Train Cells in Spain
This arrest is not an isolated incident. On October 29, Spanish authorities successfully dismantled the first identified cell of the Aragua Train within Spain, resulting in 13 arrests. The operation spanned multiple cities, with eight individuals detained in Barcelona, two in Madrid, and three across Girona, A Coruña, and Valencia.
This coordinated effort demonstrates a growing international response to the threat posed by the Aragua Train and its increasingly complex criminal network. The ongoing investigation aims to fully dismantle the organization’s financial operations and bring all those involved to justice.
