Apure, Venezuela – A deepening dispute among four Venezuelan generals is fueling corruption at a key border customs office, where illicit fees and partial nationalization of goods have become commonplace, according to reports emerging on March 15, 2026. The conflict centers around control of the Apure state customs office, a critical point for trade with neighboring countries, and has allegedly created a system where importers face unofficial charges in exchange for uninspected cargo.
The allegations reach as Venezuela continues to grapple with economic instability and widespread accusations of corruption within its government and military. The control of customs and tax services in border areas has become a significant source of illicit enrichment for Venezuelan officials, with connections to Asian merchants facilitating illegal maneuvers, Infobae reported. The situation highlights the challenges facing President Nicolás Maduro’s administration in curbing corruption and restoring transparency in key sectors.
Generals Implicated in Customs Scheme
The power struggle reportedly involves Robinson José Vera Cumare, former chief of the ZODI (Defense Operational Strategic Zone); Ovidio de Jesús Delgado Ramírez, a Major General of the Army and former commander of the REDI Los Andes (Andean Strategic Recovery Command); Francisco Alejandro Corona Preciado, former Secretary of Security of Apure and ex-chief of the CZGNB 35 (National Guard Brigade 35); and Daniel Alfonso Galarraga Torres, current commander of the ZODI 31 of Apure state, sebastianasinsecretos.com detailed. These generals are accused of enriching themselves through the manipulation of customs procedures in Apure.
According to a producer familiar with the border operations, the scheme involves declaring only a percentage of imported goods, collecting “vaccines” (bribes) from importers on the undeclared portion, and charging additional fees for “protection” to ensure cargo is not inspected at checkpoints. “The business has been to nationalize only a percentage of the loads, and the rest charge a vaccine to importers, and charge them extra money for protection, so that the officials at the checkpoints do not seize the cargo, do not stop the trucks,” a border producer told Infobae.
Broader Corruption Concerns in Venezuelan Customs
The allegations in Apure are not isolated. Separate reports indicate widespread corruption within Venezuela’s customs system, extending to the port of Puerto Cabello. Elisaúl Yépez Leal, head of operations at the Puerto Cabello customs office, faces accusations of corruption, abuse of power, and intimidation, Reporte de la Economía reported in November 2024. These accusations include allegations of concealing funds in an Andorran account and operating a network of influence with a person identified as “Carlos Gunei.”
Further highlighting systemic issues, a 2024 report by the Asociación de Agentes de Carga y Aduanas de Venezuela (Asocav) noted a 35% increase in imports, although simultaneously alleging widespread extortion within Venezuelan customs, costing the sector $1.4 million daily, NTN24 reported. José David Cabello, the national customs and tax superintendent and brother of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, oversees the ministry with the largest budget in Venezuela.
Recent Incidents and Ongoing Investigations
In September 2024, a corruption scandal emerged at the Guanta SENIAT (National Integrated Administration Service of Customs and Tax Administration) customs office in Anzoátegui state. Sergio Elián Silvio Prato, the customs manager, allegedly authorized the entry of five damaged vehicles from Florida, United States, Ciudad Gotica News reported. These incidents underscore a pattern of alleged misconduct within Venezuelan customs.
The ongoing disputes and allegations raise concerns about the rule of law and the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in Venezuela. The involvement of high-ranking military officials suggests a deeply entrenched system of illicit activity. The situation in Apure, and the broader allegations surrounding Venezuelan customs, are likely to attract further scrutiny from international observers and potentially impact Venezuela’s economic relations with trading partners.
The next steps remain unclear, but investigations into the allegations are expected to continue. The outcome of these investigations, and any subsequent legal proceedings, will be crucial in determining the extent of corruption within Venezuelan customs and the government’s commitment to addressing the issue. Further developments are anticipated as the power struggle among the implicated generals unfolds.
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