U.S. Sanctions Venezuelan Model and DJ for Links to Notorious Gang

The United States has imposed financial sanctions on Venezuelan model and DJ Jimena Araya Navarro. The U.S. Department of the Treasury accuses her of laundering money and providing material support to the violent Tren de Aragua criminal organization. Officials state that Araya Navarro is the romantic partner of Tren de Aragua leader Yohan José Romero González. They allege she used her businesses to move and hide gang funds. The Tren de Aragua gang began in a Venezuelan prison but has expanded across Latin America. It is known for crimes including murder, drug trafficking, and sex trafficking. These sanctions freeze any U.S. assets belonging to Araya Navarro. They also prohibit all Americans and U.S. companies from conducting any business with her. The action targets the gang's financial network. U.S. policy aims to pressure the Venezuelan government to combat such organized crime groups.