DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช Venezuela /Crime & Justice

Lawyer denounces robbery and extortion scheme on Gran Cacique Guaicaipuro highway

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A lawyer has denounced a robbery and extortion scheme targeting drivers on the Gran Cacique Guaicaipuro highway in Venezuela.
  • The method involves armed individuals, some in uniform, forcing drivers to stop and then robbing them of cash, phones, and jewelry.
  • Victims are advised not to stop for uniformed individuals in isolated areas and to continue to police stations or service areas if signaled to pull over.

A lawyer specializing in criminal law and human rights has denounced a dangerous modus operandi used to rob and extort drivers on the Gran Cacique Guaicaipuro highway, formerly known as Francisco Fajardo, in Venezuela. Lawyer Joel Garcรญa reported that a friend was targeted by armed men while driving.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near Hornos de Cal, heading west to east. According to Garcรญa, a person in uniform signaled his friend to pull over to the shoulder. Once the vehicle stopped, five armed individuals on three motorcycles without license plates intercepted the car. The assailants forced the driver out, threatening him with death, and stole his cell phones, $300 in cash, and several pieces of jewelry. Before leaving, the robbers photographed the victim's identity card.

The life is first: do not resist

โ€” Joel GarcรญaGarcรญa urged victims to prioritize their safety over material possessions when confronted by armed robbers.

Garcรญa shared the details on social media, warning other drivers about the scam. He advised motorists to avoid stopping in isolated areas. If signaled by a uniformed person to pull over, drivers should turn on their hazard lights and proceed to the nearest police module or service station. He also recommended keeping car doors locked and windows closed while driving on the highway.

For those who have already been intercepted by armed individuals, Garcรญa urged them to avoid any form of resistance, emphasizing that "life comes first." This warning highlights a growing concern for driver safety on Venezuelan highways, where criminal activity continues to pose a significant threat.

If a uniformed person orders you to stop the vehicle, the driver must turn on the emergency lights and continue until finding a police module or a service station.

โ€” Joel GarcรญaGarcรญa provided specific advice for drivers who are signaled to stop by individuals claiming to be law enforcement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.