In the heart of Venezuela, within the confines of the Tocorón maximum-security prison, a new breed of criminal empire was born. It was here that Hector Rustenford Guerrero Flores, known to the world as “Nino Guerrero,” did more than simply serve his time. He meticulously transformed his prison into a fortress and a command center for a burgeoning criminal enterprise: the Tren de Aragua (TDA). With its own zoo, discotheque, and swimming pools, Tocorón was less of a prison and more of a headquarters, from which Guerrero orchestrated a global network of drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling that now presents a direct and growing threat to the United States.

This is a story of a narco-state in the making, a tale of powerful figures using the instruments of government to facilitate crime on a scale so vast it boggles the mind. It’s a narrative that intertwines with the tragic Venezuelan migration crisis, where millions of desperate people seeking refuge are exploited by Guerrero’s cartel, used as both a cover and a means to expand their terrifying influence into American cities, from New York to Chicago.

The rise of the Tren de Aragua is no accident; it is a calculated effort by a ruthless organization. The cartel’s foundation was built on the backs of its founders and key associates who leveraged their unique positions to build a formidable criminal structure. Nino Guerrero, the mastermind behind it all, turned his prison sentence into an opportunity to construct a criminal syndicate that would eventually control vast sections of illegal activities, including the trafficking of narcotics and the fencing of stolen goods. He didn’t operate in a vacuum. His trusted right-hand man, Giovani Vicente Moscera Serrano, or “Elviejo,” managed the cartel’s finances and operational logistics, allegedly coordinating massive cocaine shipments and providing the material support necessary for TDA’s “terrorist activities” in the U.S.

Meanwhile, Johan Jose Romero, a co-founder of the TDA, played a critical role in its expansion. He leveraged his influence to seize control of illegal gold mining operations in the state of Bolivar. This lucrative venture provided the cartel with a steady stream of revenue, which they used to acquire military-grade weapons, solidifying their power and turning the organization into a force capable of challenging state authority. Romero’s network also extended to human smuggling, exploiting the very crisis that was driving Venezuelans from their homes.

The alarming aspect of this criminal network is its alleged integration with the very government meant to protect its people. At the helm of this alleged state-sponsored criminal enterprise is Venezuela’s president, Nicholas Maduro Moros. The United States government has accused Maduro of turning Venezuela into a narco-state, a country where drug trafficking is not just tolerated but actively facilitated by those in power. According to US authorities, Maduro and his inner circle, including the so-called “Cartel de los Soles” (Cartel of the Suns), are responsible for the annual shipment of over 200 tons of cocaine, using state institutions and military personnel to ensure safe passage for their illegal cargo.

Maduro’s alleged co-conspirator, Diostad Cabelloo Rondon, a former military officer, is accused of co-leading the “Cartel de los Soles” and coordinating drug shipments. The complicity of these high-ranking officials reveals a disturbing truth: the lines between government and organized crime have been erased, creating a powerful, corrupt entity that operates with total impunity.

The history of this narco-state goes even deeper, with figures like Hugo Armando Carvajal Barios, also known as “El Pollo,” having played a pivotal role. As the former director of Venezuelan military intelligence, he allegedly used his position to orchestrate cocaine trafficking and forge a partnership with FARC, a designated terrorist organization. His recent extradition to the US and guilty plea to narco-terrorism charges underscore the gravity of these accusations and highlight the extent of the corruption. Similarly, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, Venezuela’s defense minister, faces accusations of using the military to facilitate drug trafficking, allegedly authorizing safe passage for drug planes and collaborating with FARC.

The impact of this criminal enterprise is not limited to Venezuela; it has already landed on American shores. The TDA, taking advantage of the porous southern border and the influx of Venezuelan migrants, has established a firm foothold in major US cities. The cartel has been using its foot soldiers to conduct a campaign of terror. Jarwin Valero Calderon, or “La Afama,” a TDA foot soldier who illegally entered the US, is accused of leading a campaign of extortion, carjackings, drug trafficking, and sex trafficking in the New York City area. He is not an isolated case. Samuel Gonzalez Castro, another mid-level TDA member, is allegedly involved in similar systematic operations, including drug and sex trafficking and armed robberies.

Perhaps most chilling is the story of brothers Brian and Sandro Oliveros Cherro, TDA members who allegedly ran a criminal enterprise in the NYC metro area. Their operation reportedly focused on the sex trafficking of migrant women, a cruel and opportunistic exploitation of vulnerable individuals. They also distributed a highly dangerous synthetic drug known as “Tusi,” which adds another layer of menace to their criminal activities.

The United States government has responded with a series of aggressive measures, recognizing the TDA for the foreign terrorist organization it is. The Department of State has imposed sanctions, freezing the assets of key members. In a powerful display of resolve, the US has offered multi-million dollar bounties for the arrest of figures like Nino Guerrero, Giovani Moscera Serrano, Johan Romero, and Nicholas Maduro. Furthermore, the US has conducted military strikes and naval operations against cartel-linked targets, a clear message that this threat will not be tolerated.

The story of the Tren de Aragua and the “Cartel de los Soles” is a stark reminder of how organized crime can evolve and adapt, leveraging political instability and human suffering to expand its reach. From the luxurious confines of a prison-turned-fortress to the streets of American cities, this criminal empire poses a clear and present danger. The global hunt for its leaders and the ongoing efforts to dismantle its networks are not just about justice; they are about protecting national security and preventing a state-sponsored criminal enterprise from bringing further chaos and violence to the world.