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NEW: Venezuelan First Lady Cilia Flores has a long record as the power behind Maduro. Now, with the help of her jailed ex-bodyguard, the U.S. is preparing to charge her with drug trafficking.
We spent months investigating her ploys and alleged crimes: 1/6 https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-politics-flores/
We spent months investigating her ploys and alleged crimes: 1/6 https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-politics-flores/
In his first interview, I spoke with Yazenky Lamas, who worked to protect Flores over a decade. In 2016 he was arrested in Colombia on a US warrant for drug charges.
He says he is speaking out because Flores betrayed him: “I was loyal to them. But they weren’t loyal to me.” 2/6
He says he is speaking out because Flores betrayed him: “I was loyal to them. But they weren’t loyal to me.” 2/6
To chart Flores' influence, we interviewed 20 other associates and observers. They portray her as a stealthy strategist who now brandishes much of the power of Maduro’s office, helping him outmaneuver rivals amid rising pressure.
“Cilia likes or hates you,” an ex-aide said.
“Cilia likes or hates you,” an ex-aide said.
If the US goes ahead with her indictment, the charges are likely to stem from a drug deal for which her two nephews were convicted, sources say. Investigators have texts from the trio.
Lamas says Flores was aware of her nephews' actions. "Cilia knew everything," he said. 4/6
Lamas says Flores was aware of her nephews' actions. "Cilia knew everything," he said. 4/6
Flores has tried to negotiate with the US for her nephews' release, sources say.
Last year, she told intermediaries to propose an exchange for six jailed oil executives, who the US considers political prisoners. The US rejected the offer as a "non-starter," an official said. 5/6
Last year, she told intermediaries to propose an exchange for six jailed oil executives, who the US considers political prisoners. The US rejected the offer as a "non-starter," an official said. 5/6
Flores did not respond to queries about her indictment. Venezuela’s information minister said our questions were “nauseating, slanderous and offensive.”
I reported this story with @mattspetalnick in DC. And many thanks to my editor @pauloprada. 6/6 https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-politics-flores/
I reported this story with @mattspetalnick in DC. And many thanks to my editor @pauloprada. 6/6 https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-politics-flores/
Hay una versión en español aquí: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-politics-flores-es/
