Treasury Sanctions Guyanese and Colombians for Trafficking Cocaine From South America to the US and Europe
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned a network trafficking cocaine from South America to the United States and Europe on June 5, as reported in a
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The Treasury Department sanctions target four Guyanese citizens and two Colombian citizens who were allegedly responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, using aircraft, boats, and narco-submarines to transport the drug.
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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
U.N. sounds alarm over worsening human rights crisis in Venezuela
Civil and political freedoms in Venezuela have sharply deteriorated over the past year, according to the United Nations' top human rights official, who cited a wave of arbitrary arrests, disappearances and alleged torture amid growing political unrest. In a presentation before the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said Friday that the Venezuelan government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, using vague anti-terrorism laws to detain opposition figures, activists and foreign nationals ahead of the country's contentious 2024 elections. Türk also criticized the United States, expressing concern over the deportation of Venezuelans back to what he described as unsafe conditions. 'I repeat my call on the U.S. government to ensure compliance with due process … and to stop the removal of any person to any country where there is a risk of irreparable harm,' he said. Deportation flights resumed this year as part of U.S. efforts to curb irregular migration. Rights groups warn that many deportees face retaliation or mistreatment upon return to Venezuela. Türk's report details at least 70 politically motivated arrests in the lead-up to recent regional and parliamentary elections, including 17 foreign nationals. Following the vote, authorities announced the dismantling of a so-called terrorist network allegedly tied to humanitarian and rights organizations — claims Türk dismissed as a misuse of counterterrorism legislation. The U.N. rights chief called for the 'immediate and unconditional' release of all individuals arbitrarily detained, naming several high-profile human rights defenders, including Rocío San Miguel, Javier Tarazona, Carlos Julio Rojas and Eduardo Torres. According to the report, some detainees have disappeared without a trace, while others face legal proceedings without basic safeguards. At least 28 enforced disappearances were documented after Venezuela's July 2024 presidential election, including 12 foreign nationals who were reportedly denied access to consular support. Since the election, more than 2,000 people have been arrested, including minors. Dozens of political opponents and protesters have been killed or have vanished. Victims include not only Venezuelan citizens but also foreign nationals, such as Colombian aid worker Manuel Tique and French-American tourist Lucas Hunter, both missing since late 2024. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by Venezuela's crumbling infrastructure. Power outages and water shortages are frequent, and inflation has made basic goods inaccessible to much of the population. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, more than five million Venezuelans are facing hunger. Preventable diseases like malaria and measles are spreading amid a collapsed healthcare system. Public services have disintegrated, and violent crime — including kidnappings, armed robberies, and extortion — is widespread. 'My office documented 32 cases of torture and ill-treatment in detention,' Türk said, noting that nearly half involved minors. Inmates were allegedly held incommunicado and denied medical care, food and water — particularly after protesting prison conditions. Türk also warned of increasing restrictions on civil society. A law passed in November regulating non-governmental organizations has made it nearly impossible for many advocacy groups to operate. Organizations now face unlawful registration demands, arbitrary fees and administrative barriers not clearly defined in the legislation. Several non-governmental organizations 'have felt compelled to end their operations in Venezuela because of legal obstacles,' he said. His report describes an atmosphere of fear that disproportionately affects women, marginalized communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Women remain underrepresented in public life, and victims of gender-based violence continue to face systemic barriers to justice. Abortion remains criminalized in all cases, including rape and incest. LGBTQ+ individuals, Türk added, often face abuse while in custody, and many hate crimes go unprosecuted. While focused largely on political rights, the U.N. report also highlights Venezuela's deepening economic collapse. With inflation worsening, the monthly minimum wage remains at just 130 bolívares — less than $1 — which has remained unchanged since March 2022. That's barely enough to buy half a carton of eggs, according to the report. Public services have all but collapsed. School attendance plummeted in 2024 amid widespread teacher shortages and class suspensions. Hospitals are chronically under-resourced, with 91% of patients surveyed between January and July asked to bring their own supplies for surgery. 'The authorities' ability to fund essential public services is severely limited,' Türk said. He urged Venezuelan authorities to end enforced disappearances and incommunicado detentions, to provide consular access to foreign detainees, and to repeal laws restricting civic and political participation. Türk said he remains open to reengagement with the Maduro government — but only if U.N. human rights staff are granted full access to the country, a condition Caracas has resisted in recent years. 'I believe in engagement, and I am committed to it,' he said. 'But I do hope the authorities will fulfill the necessary conditions to ensure the full return of all my staff and the implementation of our mandate.'
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Sanctioned and Gone: U.S. Targets High-Level Financial Fugitives
VANCOUVER, Canada — In a post-pandemic financial landscape riddled with crypto collapses, offshore asset shelters, and geopolitical tensions, the U.S. government has intensified its efforts to track and sanction high-level financial fugitives. These individuals—ranging from corporate insiders to state-linked oligarchs—are increasingly being pursued not only through traditional law enforcement channels but through a powerful arsenal of tools that include economic sanctions, seizures, and international diplomatic pressure. This new approach reflects the global reality of financial crime in 2025: many fugitives no longer run in fear. Instead, they operate through shell companies, trusted proxies, and protected jurisdictions—all while evading extradition. But as sanctions evolve from state-level instruments to personal accountability tools, the U.S. is quietly reshaping how justice is delivered across borders. From Indictment to Sanction: A Modern Pursuit Historically, economic fugitives faced arrest warrants, FBI bulletins, and sometimes INTERPOL Red Notices. However, now, U.S. agencies, such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the Department of the Treasury, are naming and sanctioning individuals accused—not necessarily convicted—of significant financial crimes. This tactic has multiple advantages: In many cases, individuals under indictment may never enter a courtroom, but they'll find themselves unable to access banking services, travel internationally, or invest in legitimate markets. Case Study #1: Alex Saab — Sanctioned, Captured, and Extradited Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman accused of laundering hundreds of millions for the Venezuelan regime, was not merely indicted—he was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 under the Magnitsky Act, which targets global corruption. Saab attempted to travel under diplomatic cover in 2020, claiming immunity. Yet U.S. authorities, with the cooperation of Cape Verde, detained and eventually extradited him to the United States. His arrest marked a turning point in sanction enforcement against fugitives, as it demonstrated that sanctions and legal arrest could coexist and reinforce each other. High-Level Targets: When Financial Crime and Politics Collide In 2025, the line between financial fugitive and geopolitical figure is increasingly blurred. Many of the highest-profile fugitives are: These fugitives not only defraud—often in the hundreds of millions—but also become pawns in geopolitical games. The Power of Sanctions in 2025 Sanctions in the modern era are not just about freezing government funds; they also involve other measures. They now serve to: Label individuals globally , alerting institutions and border agencies. , alerting institutions and border agencies. Trigger investigations in other countries through reciprocity agreements. in other countries through reciprocity agreements. Isolate fugitives from legal financial systems (e.g., no SWIFT, no Mastercard, no investment banks). The U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list is being used in tandem with the DOJ's criminal indictments, creating a one-two punch of legal and financial pressure. Case Study #2: Ruja Ignatova — Still Missing, Now Sanctioned The infamous 'Crypto queen' Ruja Ignatova vanished in 2017 after her OneCoin pyramid scheme allegedly swindled investors out of $4.5 billion. Although her case initially involved criminal fraud charges, she has now been targeted by a coordinated global effort involving the FBI, Europol, and financial intelligence units. In 2023, the U.S. Treasury listed shell companies associated with Ignatova on OFAC's SDN list, freezing associated assets in Liechtenstein and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While she remains missing, her financial empire is systematically being dismantled, piece by piece. When Sanctions Become the New Border Control Sanctions do more than lock up money—they act as digital fences. When a sanctioned individual tries to: Open a bank account Purchase real estate Board an international flight with a flagged passport Use high-value services like private charter or investment brokerage —alerts are triggered, and enforcement agencies are notified. In some cases, those caught facilitating services for sanctioned individuals can be criminally prosecuted themselves. Amicus International's View on Sanctions and Identity Amicus International Consulting, a leader in global identity restructuring and financial protection, emphasizes that the modern landscape demands clarity and legal compliance, especially as digital systems integrate sanction watchlists into every layer of customer onboarding. 'Our advisory team works with clients navigating complex geopolitical and financial systems,' said a spokesperson from Amicus. 'While we do not work with fugitives or sanctioned parties, we are often called in to analyze how legal frameworks are being weaponized or misused in cross-border enforcement.' Amicus has assisted legal teams and journalists in mapping the asset trails and legal footprints of sanctioned fugitives, especially where overlapping legal jurisdictions create both opportunity and confusion. Case Study #3: Samark López — A Shadow Empire Unravelled Venezuelan businessman Samark López was sanctioned under the Kingpin Act for his ties to narcotics trafficking and corruption. Despite no conviction, López's name and businesses were blocked globally. What followed was a complete collapse of his enterprise: Bank accounts in Panama and Switzerland frozen Assets seized in Miami and Spain Real estate traced through shell structures and forfeited The case illustrates that being on a sanctions list is now more operationally devastating than a Red Notice, particularly in the context of globalized finance. Where the Fugitives Still Hide Despite growing enforcement, some jurisdictions remain safe havens for sanctioned or indicted individuals, including: Russia and parts of Central Asia China, under limited cooperation treaties Iran and proxy states Some Caribbean and West African nations In these places, fugitives may still access banking services, use local passports, and operate behind nominal corporate directors or offshore trusts. Case Study #4: The Dimitrions — Disappearance After Plea, Still Sanction-Free John Michael and Julieanne Dimitrion, a couple from Hawaii who defrauded distressed homeowners, pleaded guilty in 2010 and then vanished before sentencing. Though they remain on the FBI's wanted list, no economic sanctions have been issued against them, showcasing an ongoing gap in sanction coverage for lower-profile fugitives. They've reportedly used altered identities in Central America, eluding detection by staying under financial and digital radar thresholds. Digital Enforcement Is Here In 2025, sanctions enforcement is no longer confined to manual reviews. AI-driven systems now: Scan financial transactions for sanctioned aliases Auto-flag property registrations and corporate filings Monitor crypto transactions tied to blocked wallets Match biometric data with international no-fly lists These tools, integrated into everything from real estate platforms to luxury yacht registries, are reshaping how fugitives can move, invest, and survive. Asset Seizure Without Conviction? Yes. Under civil asset forfeiture laws, sanctioned individuals can lose assets before or without a criminal trial, especially if their property is linked to sanctioned entities. In one 2024 case, U.S. authorities seized $120 million in cryptocurrency assets from wallets tied to a sanctioned Russian mining operation, despite no court ruling on guilt. These tools are increasingly being tested in U.S. courts and supported by legal precedent when tied to national security interests. Amicus on the Future of International Financial Controls As international clients seek guidance on legal compliance, Amicus International stresses: The growing power of cross-border sanction enforcement The importance of jurisdictional clarity in identity documentation in identity documentation The need for risk mitigation structures that do not cross into sanctioned territory Their advisory offerings include forensic asset mapping, legal identity restructuring under national law, and treaty-based planning for legitimate relocation. Conclusion: The U.S. Is Changing the Game From the Cayman Islands to Cyprus, and Dubai to Singapore, financial fugitives used to hide behind law firm proxies and shell company veils. Today, the U.S. is tearing down those curtains—not with handcuffs alone, but with sanctions, seizures, and systemic disruption. For the first time, an untried fugitive can find themselves digitally erased, financially frozen, and geopolitically isolated—without a shot being fired or an arrest being made. As Amicus continues to advise on the intersection of identity, law, and sovereignty, one message becomes clear: In 2025, you don't have to be caught to be cornered. 📞 Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Twitter/X 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Refinery29
2 days ago
- Refinery29
From Wildfires To ICE Raids, L.A. Latines Keep Fighting Back
Just five months ago, Mexican firefighters were rushing to Los Angeles to keep the city from burning to the ground. Now, before there's even been time to process or heal from that trauma, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is targeting undocumented immigrants with brutal raids. Since Friday, June 6, the organization has violently seized 330 people. Immigrants are living in fear — of showing up at graduations, churches, grocery stores and their places of work. This fear, of course, isn't new, but it's currently being magnified in cruel ways. It feels like there is no safe space. To make matters worse, we're seeing this play out in real time with every video, every post, and every update with social media making it impossible to avoid. The cycle doesn't just happen once, it replays and retraumatizes us each time. Colombian therapist Cristina Castrillón, LMFT, says these conditions can trigger and further traumatize immigrants — many of whom have already experienced the trauma of leaving their homelands and families behind. Castrillón also points out that immigrants, particularly people of color, are more prone to complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which studies have found can result from experiencing long-standing trauma. 'Then there's the social and economic adversity of being undocumented, being impacted by things like food scarcity,' Castrillón adds. 'There might also be more chances for higher substance abuse.' According to the therapist, there is no shortage of trauma for immigrants. 'This is especially true for folks who fled their homelands due to violence — like people from Central America.' And now, it's happening all over again. On that fateful Friday in June, entrepreneur, educator and immigrant rights organizer Sharet García witnessed one such ICE raid unfold in downtown Los Angeles' Piñata District, a neighborhood that's long been home to countless Latine immigrant-owned businesses over the years. She was shopping for decorations for her son's high school graduation party when she witnessed the raid take place. 'ICE had just trapped all the workers inside this fashion apparel company,' she tells Refinery29 Somos. 'I knew that we needed to record this. We couldn't stay quiet; I wanted the people to know.' Even though she's undocumented herself, García — founder of UndocuProfessionals, which serves as a safe space for undocumented students and professionals — knew she had to stay at the scene. But, more importantly, it was clear she could not do it alone. She would need to rally her community. 'They lined up 30 to 40 people there,' she says, adding that some of the detained workers' daughters were present. The children reassured their parents that they were in this lucha together, and that they would never stop fighting for them. 'It was really hard to see that, but we wanted to make sure that we recorded everything. And that's when everything started happening.' Slowly but surely, people showed up to protect the Piñata District workers. Ultimately, García says, it became difficult for ICE to detain people because the crowd was 'not allowing them to just easily leave.' This solidarity isn't lost on the people of L.A., who are currently turning out in troves to protest the military occupancy in their sanctuary city. One Latine Angeleno, who requested to go only by the name of Crystal, has attended several protests in the city and can vouch they are not nearly as violent as certain media outlets portray. ' This fear holds a lot of people back from being in public, making it even more critical for documented citizens to stand up and fight back. ' To be clear, seeing these images — whether you are undocumented or not, whether you love someone who is undocumented or not — harms folks mentally and emotionally. And the cruel truth is: that's the point. '[Seeing violent footage] just further creates a narrative that makes us feel alienated,' says Castrillón. 'Think about what that does to someone's sense of self, worth, identity and belonging.' In short, this dehumanizing treatment rips apart our self-esteem and sense of security to shreds. It can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression and relational issues. Some people have even left the country in what's being called ' self-deportation,' because they no longer feel safe in the U.S. Other people are experiencing vicarious trauma when they see their loved ones in fear or hear them talking about their trauma, she adds. But, as always, the community protesting these immoral ICE raids proves that they're not criminals; they're just trying to do what's right. 'There are people carrying and passing around water and snacks,' says Crystal, who also notes that some folks are acting as medics, carrying first-aid kits, masks, and goggles, and treating people who have been wounded by rubber bullets. 'I feel like that's what's not being credited, not being shown. It's a very different experience being there than watching it.' A large percentage of immigrants and folks on the front lines are Latine. But make no mistake, these ICE raids are not just a Latine or 'raza' issue. While it's true, Latinos account for a majority of immigrant communities, we're not the only ones impacted. According to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data: 'A third of all Latinos in the United States — an estimated 21.4 million people — are immigrants.' That's roughly 45% of the nearly 50 million immigrants currently living in the U.S. The next largest group? Immigrants from Asian countries, who make up 28% of the U.S. immigrant population. This doesn't account for immigrants from African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern or European nations. And just for context: less than 10 miles from the Piñata District, in Mid-City, you'll find L.A.'s Little Ethiopia. Each and every single immigrant is equally important in this struggle. Every immigrant's story matters. Every community is part of this fight. Edwin Sotos, an immigrant rights and community organizer knows this firsthand. He says these are the people who have long been on the front lines, often undocumented themselves. But even those committed to the work are feeling the weight. Castrillón says, many in the movement may have experienced or are currently experiencing compassion fatigue. ' Despite attempts to erase or dehumanize immigrants, our communities continue to show up, for each other, for justice and for joy. That in itself is a powerful act. ' 'People are really feeling burned out, fatigued, unable to continue, or needing moments to themselves to pull away from the work,' she says, adding that keeping up your 'self-care is necessary, because it is becoming so pervasive, there is no break — especially for people on the front lines.' Sotos agrees, pointing out that people in the immigrants' rights movement have always felt a lot of feelings. 'For one, I feel very inspired to see how people are becoming very aware of how ICE has been treating our communities and how violent and terrorizing they are towards our community, and that the community is standing up against them and fighting back,' he says. 'I feel that if we had this type of awareness 10 to 15 years ago, a lot of our work and advocacy would be very different.' Sotos also feels upset and concerned with how some influencers and content creators have responded. 'They either center themselves and erase immigrant voices or overlook and ignore the work that we have done as immigrants and documented people to get [to] where we are right now.' Overall, though, Sotos attests this time is more intense. 'I'm definitely concerned at how different and how much more violent this round of ICE raids are in comparison to what we have seen in past years. I do think that these violent attacks from ICE, and the deployment of armed forces, are going to have a long-term effect on our community.' 'In our fight for immigrant rights, we have to include [folks from other countries], too,' Soto says. 'At some point, they are struggling with the same issues. Immigrants come [to the U.S.] from almost every country in the world, and from different races and different ethnicities, cultural and racial backgrounds.' To that end, Sotos spotlights a few resources for undocumented people who may not identify as Latine: The UndocuBlack Network: Black immigrants who organize communities and advocate for policy changes National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC): Korean and Asian American immigrants fighting for social, economic, and racial justice Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California: Civil rights advocates for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community Even so, it's irrefutable that the effect of these brutal raids are hitting L.A.'s Latine communities hard. On TikTok and Instagram, the fear is loud and visible with videos showing just how deeply these raids are shaking us. One viral clip shows an MSNBC reporter standing in an empty field — farmland usually tended by immigrant workers, now deserted due to ICE threats. Another video shows a KTLA anchor reporting on an ICE raid at a local elementary school. People are scared. And the same conversations aren't just happening online, they're happening in person, over WhatsApp and on the phone. García says she has received an increased number of calls from undocumented individuals admitting they want to protest and show their support but are worried about their safety, especially being in close proximity to la migra. 'Some people are angry about what they're seeing, but there's definitely a lot of fear in the community,' says García. This fear holds a lot of people back from being in public, making it even more critical for documented citizens to stand up and fight back. Doris Anahí Muñoz, an artist and activist who previously endured family separation at the hands of ICE, says there are several things she wished she knew during one of the darkest moments of her life. 'The hardest part of a path to citizenship is how costly it is,' says Muñoz. 'I wish I had known about these kinds of organizations back then. For people like my parents, they didn't even know support like this existed.' Thankfully, community support is growing, as a result there are more resources available including free legal services across L.A., offering help to undocumented folks in need. Some of these organizations include: The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): Diverse immigrant families and individuals whose mission is to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants UCLA Civil Rights Project: Legal services networks, nonprofits and private practice attorneys who can assist undocumented residents needing legal assistance Chicas y Cafecito Community Resources Los Angeles: A round-up of helpful phone numbers and legal services for immigrants At the end of the day, mental health experts and community organizers also acknowledge and agree: this work is heavy and it is important for the people in this fight to take care of themselves and each other. One of the best and most important ways to do just that is to find moments of joy. 'Our true community efforts are the most important in this. We really need each other right now to keep this movement going,' says Muñoz. Naturally, people are doing this — dancing in the street, hyping each other up and chanting like the ancestors are watching. Sotos admits, it can be difficult for organizers and community advocates to center their own emotions and well-being since their primary focus is fighting injustice. 'But I will say that I have been sleeping and resting more because I've been very tired. Also, being in community spaces and connecting and checking in on my friends and my family has been very helpful,' he says. 'We're validating each other, sharing that we are there together and that we're going to defend and protect the community. But we're also going to be there to connect, uplift each other and hear each other out.' Castrillón encourages folks to have self-care practices on their own time, too. 'Some people cannot step away from it like other folks can. Not everyone gets the privilege,' she says. But even if you only have five minutes, try to use those to check in with your body. Ask yourself: 'Did I eat well today? Am I nourishing myself? Am I sleeping enough and getting enough rest? Am I getting support?'' she suggests. 'Cry, be held, be seen. Go to therapy, support groups or healing circles.' These are all warm and necessary reminders that we are not alone. Sotos echoes this truth. 'I feel sometimes we are so into wanting to protect our community and advocate, and we feel like we need to be strong,' he says. 'But sometimes, we just need someone to listen to us…especially in the work that we do.' Despite attempts to erase or dehumanize immigrants, our communities continue to show up, for each other, for justice and for joy. That in itself is a powerful act. As Sotos puts it: 'Being openly undocumented is my most powerful tool at this point. My mere existence as an undocumented person is my most powerful resistance.' Resources for undocumented people who may not identify as Latine The UndocuBlack Network: Black immigrants who organize communities and advocate for policy changes National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC): Korean and Asian American immigrants fighting for social, economic, and racial justice Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California: Civil rights advocates for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community Self-care tips from mental health professionals Check in with yourself to make sure you're eating, hydrating, resting and taking care of your body Talk to friends and family to avoid the isolation that results from living and reliving trauma in person and on social media Try to take breaks from the work to find moments of joy with the people you love Where to donate
