US Sanctions Actress Linked to Venezuelan Gang

An actress, model, and DJ involved with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) has been sanctioned by the Trump administration. The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced this action against Jimena Romina Araya Navarro, known as Rosita. The Treasury stated that Navarro, who boasts millions of followers on social media, was implicated in money laundering operations alongside other celebrities connected to TdA.

In 2012, she reportedly assisted Hector Rustenford Guerrero Flores, dubbed “Niño Guerrero,” in escaping from Tocolon prison in Venezuela.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented on the issue, stating, “Under President Trump, brutal terrorist cartels can no longer operate with impunity across our borders.” He emphasized the serious threats posed to the U.S. by TdA’s drug trafficking and human smuggling operations. Following Trump’s directives, efforts will continue to keep these individuals out of the United States and the global financial system.

Navarro has been performing at nightclubs in Colombia, where some of the earnings have allegedly been funneled to TdA leadership. She also performed at Maiquetia VIP Bar-Restaurant in Bogotá, which is owned by her former bodyguard, Eric Manuel Randaeta Hernandez. Interestingly, Navarro holds a position as a shareholder and president of a Venezuelan company called Global Import Solutions SA.

Randaeta Hernandez was arrested in Colombia back in October 2024. Authorities indicated that he hosted events where Navarro performed, and drugs were reportedly sold on behalf of TdA during these gatherings.

Additionally, Hernández has been linked to TdA executive Mosquera Serrano for accusations of money laundering on behalf of Guerrero. Hernández also runs Eryk Producciones SAS, a company involved in creative and entertainment services, purportedly serving as the gang’s financial and logistics director in Colombia.

Recent sanctions have also targeted other TdA leaders, including Richard José Espinal Quintero, Noe Manasses Aponte Córdoba, Asdrubal Rafael Escobar Cabrera, and Chaison Royer Guerrero Palma, the latter being Niño Guerrero’s half-brother, noted for expanding gang activities into Chile.

Another individual, Kenferso Josue Sevilla Arteaga, known as “El Flipper,” was sanctioned after his arrest in Cúcuta, Colombia, for involvement in extortion, kidnapping, and murder, as per the Treasury Department’s reports.

The Trump administration is working to deport TdA members found in the U.S. A recent intelligence assessment hinted that some Venezuelan officials may have facilitated the migration of TdA members to America. The gang was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department back in February.