A Venezuelan prison has been found to be operating as a luxury resort for its inmates, complete with a zoo, swimming pool, and even a makeshift casino! The Tocorón prison, run by the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, was recently raided by over 11,000 Venezuelan troops, after politicians turned up the heat in the fight against organised crime.
The makeshift casino was one of the most notable features of the prison. It was equipped with a gaming room, a betting shop, and even an improvised bank where inmates could arrange loans. Inmates could also place bets on horse races and other games of chance.
This gambling den was a hub of activity within the prison, with the convicts regularly spending hours playing cards, rolling dice, and betting on sports events.
Inmates and their relatives were allowed to roam freely within the facility, enjoying its resort-like amenities. Internet access, phones, televisions, and even air con units were used by prisoners who could afford the perks.
Luxury Lifestyle
However, the luxury lifestyle of the inmates was not the only concern of the guards.
The Tren de Aragua gang, with over 2,700 members, was involved in a variety of criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, kidnappings-for-ransom, illegal mining, bribery, and money laundering. The gang's influence extended far beyond the prison walls, reaching as far as Chile.
The Interior Minister, Remigio Ceballos, announced that the jail would be completely cleared and inmates would be moved to another facility. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro congratulated the forces for the successful intervention, although it is difficult to believe that the situation wasn’t already known about for a long time before.
The raid highlighted what the South American prison system is really like. The fact that a criminal gang could operate such an extensive enterprise from within a prison confirms to us what many already knew — the inmates run the jails while the guards are only concerned with preventing escapes and keeping up appearances.