Venezuela Roundup: Violent abduction, traffic arrests, release of protesters
Christmas celebrations
On December 12, 2024, the Venezuelan Embassy in Singapore, led by Ambassador H.E. Jessica Maria Lopez, hosted a festive Christmas event that celebrated Venezuelan culture and cuisine. In Diplomacy reports that the gathering featured traditional Christmas dishes. The event fostered community connections and cultural exchange, concluding with music and a toast to the festive season.
Crude oil transportation
Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA has resumed a crude oil swap agreement with India’s Reliance Industries, which had been paused due to U.S. sanctions. Recently, a supertanker carrying 1.9 million barrels of Venezuela's Merey heavy crude sailed to India, marking a cautious revival of operations after a U.S. license was granted in July. In exchange, Reliance supplied 500,000 barrels of heavy naphtha to help Venezuelan refineries process their crude, Oil Price reports. Although this agreement provides critical support for Venezuela's struggling oil sector, it remains contingent on maintaining compliance with U.S. regulations. Previously, during India's suspension of Venezuelan oil purchases due to concerns over sanctions, Russia and China became the primary markets for Venezuelan oil.
Violent abduction
Eleven individuals, including members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, are facing potential charges for the violent abduction and beating of a couple at a Denver suburb apartment complex. Eight suspects are in custody under federal immigration enforcement, while three remain at large. The incident was linked to a viral video of a previous altercation involving the wife, leading the suspects to extort and assault the couple for roughly five hours. ABC News reports that the attackers bound and beat them, with the husband sustaining stab wounds, and also burglarized their apartment. Police are investigating further connections to extortion among other residents.
Release of protesters
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab announced the release of 200 more protesters arrested during election protests, bringing the total to 533 freed from over 2,000 detained, The Gazette reports. Rights groups have verified only some releases, reporting at least three protesters died in custody. Despite official claims of a third-term win for President Nicolas Maduro, the opposition contests the election results with alternative tallies.
Traffic arrests
A 24-year-old unlicensed driver from Venezuela, Carlos Chirinos Oliveros, was arrested in Orlando for driving a silver Honda Pilot without headlights on U.S. 301. According to Villages News, during the traffic stop, he admitted to not having a U.S. driver's license. He was charged with driving without a license and received a warning for the headlight violation. Oliveros was booked at the Sumter County Detention Center with a bond set at $500, and his vehicle was towed.
