In the Venezuelan mining region of Bolívar, the Tren de Guyana and the Perú Syndicate appear to be on the brink of another clash over the control of key gold mining areas in El Callao. We explain this dynamic in today’s #CriminalThreads: 
Since 2018, but especially since 2020, the Perú Syndicate – a gang that extorts illegal miners and operates crude gold processing plants in southern Bolívar state -- has been weakened by repeated attacks by security forces.
In response to attacks in 2021, the gang abducted a politician and accused security forces of committing crimes. bit.ly/3Ee9UH1
Despite being the subject of continued military operations, the gang has managed to survive. Toto, one of the group’s leaders, has evaded offensives and has responded with spectacular attacks on El Callao.bit.ly/3JEZW2u
The Perú Syndicate’s strength is largely due to its long history in El Callao, and the relationships it has formed with local miners.
Nevertheless, on the brink of a conflict with the Tren de Guyana, it is unclear whether the gang will be able to withstand a new attack from a familiar rival. bit.ly/3LWSqBF
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