Reported by Buenos Aires Times

Security forces in Argentina have detained 12 people believed to form a cell of the Venezuelan organised crime ring Tren de Aragua.

According to a statement from Argentina’s National Security Ministry on Thursday, the arrests were made during 17 simultaneous raids on different households following a year-long joint investigation between the local courts, the Federal Police, the FBI and Interpol.

The operation, which targeted properties in the capital and the provinces of Buenos Aires and Corrientes, was coordinated by the Federal Police’s Anti-Mafia Department.

Officials described it as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal financial networks.

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich described the operation as “a fundamental step in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.”

The group allegedly whitewashed the criminal proceeds of the Venezuelan crime syndicate. Prosecutors estimate the cell may have moved as much as 200 billion pesos through a complex web of assets and transfers, according to financial intelligence gathered by Argentina’s PROCELAC anti-money laundering unit.

Read full report: https://batimes.com.ar/news/amp/argentina/argentina-dismantles-tren-de-aragua-money-laundering-cell.phtml