Florida’s governor passes executive order to combat foreign espionage, influence in the Sunshine State
The governor of Florida has announced new proposals to combat Chinese espionage near American military installations in the Sunshine State, as well as measures taken to resist social engineering by Chinese Communist Party-affiliated apps such as TikTok. Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 22-216, a wide-sweeping EO that attacks... Read more
To Understand Venezuela’s Crisis, Look to the Past … and the CIA
On Sept. 11, 1973, a military junta headed by Gen. Augusto Pinochet completed a coup against the left-wing government of Chilean president Salvador Allende. Allende had given hope to many leftists around the world that socialism could come to power peacefully and coexist with liberal political institutions. The chaos... Read more
Where Brazilian Gangsters Get Their Guns
This article originally appeared at InSight Crime. Brazil’s biggest criminal group has reportedly attempted to smuggle high-powered firearms from Venezuela in order to expand its illegal activities, taking advantage of the neighboring country’s economic crisis, lack of oversight on the part of the government and the new dynamics on the border... Read more
Venezuela Crisis Fuels Piracy, Contraband in the Caribbean
This article originally appeared at InSight Crime. A recent journalistic investigation shows how a small patch of water between Venezuela’s eastern coast and the shores of Trinidad and Tobago has become a dangerous haven for pirates and criminals smuggling contraband between the two nations, underscoring the consequences of Venezuela’s failure to... Read more
Fresh Armed Groups Exploit Colombia’s Violent Border With Venezuela
This article originally appeared at InSight Crime. Venezuela’s continued spiral into economic, political and social crisis and the demobilization of Colombia’s largest guerrilla group have shifted criminal dynamics on the Colombia-Venezuela border, transforming the region into one of the most important organized crime hubs in Latin America. The Colombia-Venezuela border region... Read more
Cops in Skull Masks Carry Out State Terror in Venezuela
This article originally appeared at InSight Crime. A new investigation provides damning evidence of abuses and criminality associated with a controversial security initiative in Venezuela, adding to mounting concerns about the government’s support for the program. On Oct. 3, Venezuelan digital media platform RunRun.es and their partner CONNECTAS published an... Read more
Is Venezuela’s Military on the Verge of a Crackup?
This article originally appeared at InSight Crime. Isolated displays of dissidence from within Venezuela’s armed forces have fueled speculation of a growing divide between the different ranks of the beleaguered nation’s military. But potential fractures in what is the most important pillar of support for Pres. Nicolas Maduro’s regime could... Read more
As Venezuela Falls Apart, Its People Build a New Faith
In ways large and small, Venezuelans have felt the effects of the unfolding political and economic crisis there. Grocery store shelves are barren, and few dare to use their phones in public for fear of theft or worse. Car windows are tinted as much as possible for the same... Read more
How Russia Could Intervene in a Venezuelan Civil War
Venezuela’s political chaos, violence and a full-blown economic depression risks taking down one of Russia’s most important allies in the Western Hemisphere. Years of high oil prices and a pro-Kremlin government brought billions of dollars worth of Russian investment and military sales into the country — which now gives... Read more
The Venezuelan Government Is Torturing Political Prisoners
This article originally appeared at InSight Crime. A new report highlights abuse in holding cells controlled by Venezuela’s national intelligence police, offering a rare glimpse into the workings of the country’s notorious state apparatus. The investigation from the Venezuelan group Window to Freedom, a non-governmental organization that defends prisoners’ rights, found evidence of overcrowding, torture... Read more