Colombian authorities have given final approval for the extradition of a major Venezuelan organized crime figure to Chile, marking a significant development in international cooperation against transnational criminal networks. The individual, known by the alias Larry Changa, co-founded one of Venezuela’s most prominent criminal organizations and played a crucial role in expanding its operations across multiple Latin American countries.
The 49-year-old suspect, born in Maracay, Venezuela, began his criminal activities in the late 1990s with vehicle theft operations in central Venezuelan states. His early criminal career led to a 2002 conviction for car theft, resulting in a prison sentence of nearly five years. Following his release, he continued criminal activities that culminated in a 17-year sentence for aggravated homicide related to the 2006 murder of an auto parts dealer.
During his incarceration at the Tocorón prison facility in Aragua state beginning in 2007, he formed alliances with other inmates that would prove transformative. Together with two other prisoners, he established what would become a powerful prison-based criminal organization. The group operated from within the prison walls for eight years before his escape in 2015.
Following his prison break, the suspect expanded operations across Venezuela before relocating to Chile in 2018. In Santiago and the northern Tarapacá region, he allegedly established multiple legitimate businesses including a bakery, restaurants, an equestrian club, and a nightclub. Authorities believe these enterprises served as fronts for laundering proceeds from various illegal activities.
Chilean investigators linked him to control over unauthorized border crossings between Chile and Bolivia, operations that generated substantial profits from the movement of Venezuelan migrants. His activities in Chile included alleged involvement in kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, and narcotics distribution. When vehicles registered in his name were connected to two homicides, Chilean authorities began investigating, though initial lack of evidence led to his release.
Sensing increased law enforcement attention, he fled Chile in 2022, initially traveling to Colombia by air before being returned to Chile. He subsequently made his way back to Venezuela and then crossed into Colombia through the border city of Cúcuta. He eventually settled in Circasia, a municipality in Quindío department, where he allegedly obtained false identification documents identifying him as a merchant from Cartagena.
In Colombia, authorities report he established pizza restaurants and planned to open butcher shops while maintaining control over criminal operations in Chile through remote coordination. His arrest in Quindío department occurred in July 2024 after Colombian officials identified his true identity despite the false documentation.
The extradition approval comes two years after his capture and represents significant progress in dismantling the international criminal network he helped establish. Chilean prosecutors have charged him with kidnapping and illicit association, charges that could result in substantial prison time if convicted.
Law enforcement officials from multiple countries view his arrest and pending extradition as a major victory against transnational organized crime. The case highlights the expanding reach of Venezuelan criminal groups throughout Latin America and the challenges authorities face in tracking suspects who move between countries using false identities and corruption networks.
His removal from operational leadership potentially weakens the criminal organization’s international expansion capabilities, particularly in Chile and Colombia where he had established significant operations. The extradition process demonstrates strengthening cooperation between Latin American nations in combating criminal organizations that exploit borders and jurisdictional limitations.
Leave a Reply