Cicpc dismantles extortion ring at Coche Wholesale Market

Venezuelan police have dismantled an extortion ring operating within the Coche Wholesale Market in Caracas, arresting three members of the "Yender La Vega" criminal gang. The arrests were made by the Extortion Investigations Division of the Scientific, Penal, and Criminal Investigations Corps (Cicpc).

Cicpc Director Douglas Rico identified the detainees as Carolina Maryuri Mogollón García, 43; Yorman José Matos González, 38; and José Gustavo Velásquez Tovar, 52. The group allegedly demanded illegal dollar payments from drivers transporting goods through the market. They also reportedly used physical aggression and threats against workers to enforce their demands.

Velásquez Tovar was already wanted by the First Court of First Instance in Control Functions of the Metropolitan Area of Caracas for aggravated extortion, obstruction of freedom of commerce, and criminal association. The Cicpc is actively pursuing the gang's leader, Yender Armando Paredes Ortiz, and other members of the organization. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the criminal activities.

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Velásquez Tovar was formally sought by the First Court of First Instance in Control Functions of the Metropolitan Area of Caracas, for the crimes of aggravated extortion, obstruction to freedom of commerce, and association to commit a crime.