Four police officers arrested in Venezuela for stealing money from earthquake debris

Four police officers in Venezuela have been arrested and expelled from the investigative agency CICPC for allegedly appropriating "economic assets" from earthquake debris in La Guaira state. The arrests came after public outcry, fueled by social media videos showing citizens confronting an officer with cash he had allegedly taken.

CICPC Director Douglas Rico stated the officers "deviated from their duties and took advantage of rescue and humanitarian aid efforts, acting indecently by appropriating economic valuables found among the rubble." Videos circulating online depicted indignant citizens confronting an officer and tearing up the U.S. dollars he reportedly possessed, calling him a "disgrace."

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello echoed this sentiment on Telegram, calling the agents' actions "indecent and immoral" and vowing they would be "judged as appropriate." He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for those who abuse their uniform and exploit tragedy for personal gain. The opposition party Primero Justicia had previously accused some officials of enriching themselves from the disaster instead of fulfilling their duties.

The double earthquake that struck the region last Wednesday has resulted in 1,943 deaths and 10,571 injuries, according to official figures.