分类： politics

In a significant move against organized crime, the United States and Mexico have intensified their efforts to dismantle money laundering operations tied to casinos. Mexican authorities have closed thirteen gaming establishments accused of utilizing fraudulent identities to transfer millions of dollars overseas. Concurrently, the U.S. Treasury has frozen the assets of twenty-seven individuals and companies associated with the Hysa Organized Crime Group, which is alleged to launder cartel funds through casinos and high-end restaurants. Sanctions have been imposed on businesses across Mexico, Canada, and Poland, with officials warning that any entities engaging in transactions with these sanctioned parties could face severe penalties. The crackdown focuses on border cities such as Rosarito and Nogales, and even extends to casinos linked to billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego, although his company has denied any involvement in illegal activities. The U.S. government emphasizes that this operation sends a clear message: criminal networks will be held accountable for their actions.

Venezuela has initiated a comprehensive military mobilization in reaction to the increasing deployment of US forces in the Caribbean. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared the activation of land, air, naval, and reserve units, labeling the move as a countermeasure against what he termed an ‘imperialist threat.’ This strategic maneuver, directed by President Nicolás Maduro, also involves the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve established by the late President Hugo Chávez. The escalation follows the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, accompanied by a formidable strike group comprising warships, fighter jets, and thousands of military personnel. While the US justifies its deployment as a crackdown on drug trafficking, Venezuelan authorities perceive it as a veiled attempt at regime change. President Trump has recently acknowledged CIA activities in Venezuela and previously hinted at potential military interventions, although US officials assert no immediate plans for such actions. Venezuela’s military response is part of its ‘Independence Plan 200,’ a comprehensive strategy integrating military, militia, and police forces. Despite Maduro’s claim of over 8 million reservists, experts remain skeptical about both the numbers and their operational readiness. CNN reports that the US military presence in the region now surpasses 15,000 personnel.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has vehemently denied a CNN report alleging that the United Kingdom is withholding intelligence from the United States regarding anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Persad-Bissessar labeled the report as ‘fake news’ and accused it of being part of a broader effort to undermine regional efforts to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime. She emphasized that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Rubio has also refuted the claims internationally. The Prime Minister criticized local media outlets for irresponsibly circulating the false report, stressing her government’s commitment to maintaining strong cooperation with the U.S. in addressing transnational criminal networks. Persad-Bissessar highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by drug cartels, which continue to destabilize the Caribbean, and underscored efforts to enhance national security systems to combat drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and human trafficking. She warned that illicit trade has fueled decades of violence and instability in the region. The CNN report had claimed that the UK paused intelligence sharing with the U.S. due to concerns over the legality of military strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in numerous casualties and prompted skepticism from other U.S. allies, including Canada and Colombia.