Venezuela Gold-Crime Network Persists Post-Maduro, Tied to Political Power

An investigative report alleges that criminal networks controlling gold mining in southern Venezuela remain entrenched despite US intervention and Maduro's capture, with links to political power. The claim is based on journalistic investigation, not official confirmation, and the extent of state complicity is uncertain. This matters because it indicates that post-Maduro stabilization efforts have not dismantled illicit economic structures, potentially undermining governance and fueling continued conflict.