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President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro delivers his annual address to the nation at the National Constituent Assembly on January 14, 2020 in Caracas, Venezuela.

Regional and Global Impact

Venezuela as a Criminal State

Lt. Col. Chris Kreiler


The Countering Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) Program hosted a virtual seminar with twenty-two CTOC alumni from nine Central and South American countries to introduce participants to the regional and transnational challenges posed by the current political situation in Venezuela. The keynote speaker was Ambassador Vanessa Neumann, the Official Representative of Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaidó to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Following Ambassador Neumann’s remarks, a lively discussion ensued about the effects of illicit trafficking on border security and regional stability. Concerns focused on the criminal activities of the Maduro regime as well as the growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Other subjects of discussion were the potential presence and influence of terrorist organizations and the impact of COVID-19 in Venezuela.

This article reflects the views of the author and are not necessarily the official policy of the United States, Germany, or any other governments.