The Office of the Attorney General of Venezuela has officially announced the start of a criminal investigation into five officers of the National Bolivarian Police (PNB). They are suspected of conducting an illegal search and of actions contrary to public ethics at an entertainment venue in the city of Barquisimeto, Lara state. The investigation has been assigned to the 21st Prosecutor’s Office of Lara state, which will work together with the 98th National Prosecutor’s Office, specializing in the protection of human rights and gender diversity. The police themselves have already initiated internal control mechanisms and handed all five officers over to the authorities; they will soon be brought before a court on charges under the Criminal Code and the Anti-Corruption Law.
The operation carried out at the venue (previously a sauna) resulted in the detention of 28 people. According to local media, the raid was prompted by complaints from neighborhood residents about alleged prostitution, as well as the sale and use of drugs on the premises. However, the venue’s management categorically denies these accusations, asserting that they are exclusively engaged in the lawful rental of the premises for patrons’ recreation. At present, all 28 detainees and the case materials are under police control for official procedures and judicial review.
Full version: Ministerio Público inicia investigación contra cinco funcionarios de la PNB por allanamiento a un local en Barquisimeto