Venezuelan prison gang expands operations across Western Hemisphere.
The Department of the Treasury has designated the Venezuela-based gang Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization. The group originally began as a prison gang but has since expanded its operations to organize human smuggling, kidnapping, sex trafficking, and drug transportation. Since its expansion into the broader Western hemisphere, Tren de Aragua’s operations have become deadly for the communities it exploits.
“Today’s designation of Tren de Aragua as a significant Transnational Criminal Organization underscores the escalating threat it poses to American communities,” said Under Secretary Brian Nelson. “We will deploy all tools and authorities against organizations like Tren de Aragua that prey on vulnerable populations to generate revenue, engage in a range of criminal activities across borders, and abuse the U.S. financial system.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Under Secretary Nelson as he organizes anti-terrorism strategies in the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
- For Treasury officials as they work to address the expansion of this international gang.
- For Secretary Yellen to seek the Lord’s direction as she heads the Treasury Department.
Sources: Department of the Treasury
