Former Green Beret and Associate Indicted for Venezuelan Arms Smuggling Scheme

Well, folks, it looks like Uncle Sam’s got his hands full with another south-of-the-border fiasco. Remember when we used to topple Communist regimes without breaking a sweat? Those were the days. Now we’ve got ex-Green Berets getting nabbed for botched coups that sound more like a rejected Tom Clancy novel than a serious operation. But don’t roll your eyes just yet—this tale of arms smuggling, failed raids, and alleged violations of U.S. laws is more than just another headline. It’s a stark reminder of the complex world we live in and the thin line between patriotism and rogue operations. So, grab your coffee and settle in—this story’s got more twists than a pretzel factory.

The Plot Unravels

Jordan Goudreau, a former U.S. Green Beret, was arrested in New York on federal arms smuggling charges. Alongside Yacsy Alvarez, Goudreau is accused of violating U.S. arms control laws by sending defense equipment to Colombia without a license. The charges are serious. Goudreau faces 14 counts, including conspiracy, smuggling goods, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.

These charges are not just about illegal arms deals. They’re directly linked to a failed 2020 raid by Venezuelan army deserters attempting to oust President Nicolás Maduro. This ill-fated operation, dubbed the “Bay of Piglets” (a nod to the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion), was doomed from the start due to infiltration by Venezuelan security forces and logistical issues.

The Fallout

The consequences of this botched operation were far-reaching. Two former Green Berets were imprisoned in Venezuela until a prisoner swap last year. The indictment against Goudreau and Alvarez details a web of communications, financial transactions, and logistics surrounding the smuggling plot.

Cliver Alcalá, Goudreau’s partner in the coup attempt, has already been sentenced in an unrelated case. Meanwhile, Alvarez is seeking asylum in the U.S. and plans to plead not guilty. Her attorney, Christopher A. Kerr, stated, “She will plead not guilty to these charges this afternoon, and as of right now, under our system, they are nothing more than allegations.”

The Stakes

If convicted, Goudreau and Alvarez face 5 to 20 years in prison per violation. This case raises serious questions about private military operations, U.S. foreign policy, and the lengths some individuals will go to in the name of perceived patriotism.

As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of international relations and the potential consequences of unauthorized interventions. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, and the desperate measures some are willing to take in pursuit of regime change.

Sources

More From Around The Web

Jordan Goudreau – the US special forces veteran charged with smuggling weapons to Venezuelan rebels in Colombia – is set to be transported from New York, where he was arrested, to Tampa, where the charges against him were brought. pic.twitter.com/ny1Ql5xvsS

— Luc Cohen (@cohenluc) August 2, 2024

Just a reminder on the recent arrest of Jordan Goudreau, mastermind of Op Gideon (Bay of Piglets) to coup Maduro in 2020: while his two friends and fellow vets were serving time in a Caracas jail, I uncovered he was trying to go Hollywood and cash in.https://t.co/G7aRtVSBhs

— Ben Makuch (@BMakuch) August 1, 2024

US veteran Jordan Goudreau, a key figure in the failed "Operation Gideon" coup attempt in Venezuela, has been detained and faces multiple federal arms smuggling charges. Goudreau's associate seeks asylum and will plead "not guilty."

Full story: https://t.co/Cqk6PlPCnz pic.twitter.com/SJUi4YPO8O

— Venezuelanalysis (@venanalysis) August 2, 2024