Chile Dismantles Tren de Aragua Network, Laundered Nearly $90 Million via Crypto

Chilean judicial and police authorities have dismantled a sophisticated money laundering network directly connected to the transnational Venezuelan gang "Tren de Aragua." The extensive operation led to the arrest of approximately 20 individuals, notably including an executive from a major banking institution who was actively involved in the illegal financial scheme.

Héctor Barros, the Metropolitan South Regional Prosecutor in Santiago, announced that over 78 billion pesos (nearly $90 million USD) were moved out of the country via cryptocurrency companies. He emphasized the gravity of the discovery, stating that the dismantled criminal structure represents one of the largest money laundering operations ever recorded in Chile. This significant financial crime was the culmination of a complex, long-term criminal investigation initiated in 2024, conducted under strict coordination between specialized prosecutors and intelligence units of the Investigations Police (PDI).

During the operation, police forces simultaneously raided dozens of residences and commercial establishments across the Santiago Metropolitan Region and several cities in southern Chile. A key point of focus was a Banco Santander branch in downtown Santiago, where a Venezuelan account executive was arrested. According to the Public Ministry, the bank employee exploited his professional knowledge to open numerous accounts at various national banks. He then used this personal network to facilitate the diversion of illicit funds, rather than utilizing his employer's corporate systems for direct money laundering.

In response to the arrest at its offices, Banco Santander issued an official statement affirming its full cooperation with Chilean court requests. The financial corporation reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for illegal conduct and pledged to take appropriate measures according to its internal protocols and applicable legislation if individual responsibilities are verified. The Chilean Prosecutor's Office reported that the 20 detainees face formal criminal charges for multiple serious offenses, including aggravated extortion, contraband, money laundering, and criminal association.

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a figure exceeding 78 billion pesos (close to 90 million dollars at today's exchange rate) left the country through cryptocurrency companies to other foreign destinations, emphasizing the seriousness of the institutional finding by stating categorically that the dismantled criminal structure represents one of the largest money laundering cases ever recorded in the country.