Venezuelan authorities have announced the arrest of 38 individuals accused of plotting to destabilize the country and sabotage upcoming regional and legislative elections. Among those detained is Enid Kasmi, identified as an Albanian national, whose alleged role in the criminal group has drawn significant attention.
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| Maduro about the Albanian mafia |
Of the 38 individuals arrested, 21 are Venezuelan citizens, while the remaining 17 include Ukrainian and Mexican nationals, in addition to Kasmi.
Venezuelan media reports indicate that Kasmi was allegedly receiving payments from the United States to carry out destabilizing and violent actions within the country.
President Maduro Accuses "Albanian Mafia"
In a striking address, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro directly accused the "Albanian mafia" of planning to sabotage the regional and legislative elections scheduled for this Sunday.
"The Albanian mafia, which rules Ecuador, sent some of its trained mercenaries to plant bombs in Venezuela," President Maduro stated. "The Albanian mafia has been captured, we have them, three phones have been seized from them, and they are talking."
Ministerial Denunciation and Alleged Opposition Involvement
Further details emerged from Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace, who condemned a new alleged attack attempt by the "extremist Venezuelan opposition." Cabello asserted that the plot aimed to destabilize the nation and sabotage the elections slated for Sunday, May 25. He implicated Iván Simonovis, a former FANB officer, Arturo José Gómez Morante, and opposition figure María Corina Machado as leaders of this alleged scheme.
During a press conference, a Venezuelan security official confirmed the apprehension of a local group of eight individuals found in possession of explosive devices, specifically described as "electric detonators."