In La Guaira state, a group of Venezuelan women scavenged through the debris of a collapsed building and confronted a local police officer attempting to take a box filled with US dollars, as reported on Tuesday.
Angered by the officer’s actions, the women destroyed the money to thwart any theft. Reports indicate that four police officers were dismissed and arrested for their roles in the incident.
The women are said to be relatives of victims missing or affected by the severe 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit Venezuela on June 24th. This confrontation happened at the wreckage on Tuesday, near a building in Ulimare, which was among over 180 structures completely demolished by the disaster. The region of La Guaira experienced the most significant destruction.
Witnesses claimed members of Venezuela’s Scientific, Criminal and Criminal Investigation Corps (CICPC) approached the site while search and rescue efforts were underway. The women alleged that the officers were “searching specific areas,” potentially looking for money.
According to the newspaper, the group of women confronted the police, insisting they return the box of dollars. Videos circulating on social media show women yelling at officers with blue boxes, expressing outrage. Some can be heard denouncing the officers for their greed. One woman was recorded tearing up a dollar bill she had snatched from the ground.
“They came in knowing there was money here,” one of the women, Melisa Paez, said. “I can’t say whether they were ordered or acting alone, but it feels wrong that amid such devastation, their focus is on material wealth.” She noted that the lack of effort to find survivors is disrespectful to grieving families.
Hours after the event, the same source reported that four officers were detained, including Aguilar Reyes Maya, Freddy Rafael Lugo Oliveros, Roger Andres Omaña, and Inspector Josue Jonathan Burgos Sánchez. CICPC National Director Douglas Rico stated that they had violated their duties, exploited rescue operations, and committed serious offenses by seizing valuables from the debris.
This earthquake has been labeled the worst natural disaster in recent Venezuelan history, with search and rescue operations still in progress as of July 1. Officials reported that approximately 1,943 fatalities have been documented, with over 10,000 injuries and nearly 15,900 evacuations. The United Nations estimated around 50,000 individuals remain unaccounted for.
The incident at the Ulimare building reflects a troubling trend, with reports about officials and security forces allegedly looting in affected areas. Complaints surfaced regarding delays and actions that hindered rescue efforts, as reported by a local newspaper.
The situation in La Guaira is complex; while residents are focused on locating missing individuals, they face shortages of supplies, specialized help, and rising tensions in heavily impacted locations. Some have accused local authorities of demanding bribes in dollars from victims’ relatives to release bodies and clear debris.
The dollar has become increasingly prevalent in Venezuela as the economy enters a kind of de facto dollarization due to mismanagement of the currency, leading to severe inflation. Footage from local journalists indicated a makeshift area for collecting remains at the port, highlighting the ongoing crisis with bodies appearing on the ground, often just covered with tarps.
This body bag shortage exacerbates the existing challenges in the country, prompting the UN to send 10,000 body bags, which are expected shortly. Additionally, local businesses have contributed to alleviate the dire need.
