Venezuelan police, in a large-scale operation involving 11,000 soldiers and officers, have successfully liberated a prison that had been transformed into a luxurious gang headquarters. Situated in the north-central state of Aragua, the Tocoron prison had become the stronghold for the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. The prison complex not only facilitated illegal activities such as cryptocurrency mining and gambling but also provided various amenities including a pool, a restaurant, a mini zoo, a nightclub, and even a baseball field [1].
During the operation, authorities discovered Bitcoin mining machines, firearms, grenades, and even a rocket launcher among other contraband items. As a result, four prison guards were apprehended on suspicion of aiding the gang, while approximately 60 members of the gang were captured. However, it is worth noting that there are still around 400 to 500 prisoners who remain unaccounted for. President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela expressed his appreciation for the armed forces following the successful intervention [1].
This article is 90% likely factual news based on my current analysis.
[1] Source: WION – “Venezuela police find crypto mining machines, guns, rocket launcher in jail turned into gang HQ” – accessed on March 3, 2022.
