Tarek William Saab, Venezuelan Prosecutor, Seeks to Resume Criminal Cooperation with the U.S.

This Monday, Venezuela’s Public Ministry (MP) expressed its willingness to resume criminal cooperation with the United States to facilitate the extradition of Venezuelans involved in transnational criminal groups, including the Tren de Aragua gang.

In an official statement, Attorney General Tarek William Saab highlighted that Venezuelan authorities dismantled the Tren de Aragua in 2023 during the raid on the Tocorón prison. He emphasized that the country’s justice system remains committed to fighting organized crime groups.

Allegations Against Colombia and Opposition Leaders

Saab claimed that one of the main barriers to prosecuting members of the Tren de Aragua is the protection they allegedly receive in Colombia. He accused former Colombian presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque of facilitating the criminals’ entry into Colombian territory.

Additionally, Saab pointed to exiled Venezuelan opposition figures, including Leopoldo López, Miguel Pizarro, Carlos Vecchio, and Gilber Caro, alleging they collaborated with the gang. According to the statement, there is evidence that Gilber Caro acted as an intermediary between Leopoldo López and prison gang leaders in Venezuela, encouraging violence after the July 28 elections.

Steps Taken to Dismantle the Tren de Aragua

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida de Ministerio Público Venezuela🇻🇪 (@mpublicove)

The attorney general explained that dismantling the Tren de Aragua occurred in two phases:

1. First phase (2021): The arrest of key leaders and members.
2. Second phase (2023): The December raid on Tocorón, which fully dismantled the gang’s structure and financial operations.

Since 2017, the Public Ministry, in coordination with security agencies, has worked to dismantle criminal organizations such as El Koki, El Conas, and El Yiyi Boscán. Saab reported that so far, 48 individuals have been arrested and prosecuted, while others are subject to arrest warrants and Interpol red notices.

U.S. to Designate Tren de Aragua as a Terrorist Organization

The MP’s announcement came shortly after the White House stated that President Donald Trump would soon begin the process of designating the Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization.

The U.S. government also plans to use the Enemy Foreigners Act to target Latin American and other international criminal organizations operating within its borders. It aims to implement the death penalty for crimes described as “atrocious acts against humanity,” including attacks on U.S. citizens and law enforcement officers.

A Joint Effort Against Organized Crime

Collaboration between Venezuela and the United States could play a crucial role in combating transnational criminal networks. Meanwhile, the Public Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating these organizations, strengthening control within Venezuelan territory.