CARACAS – Carlos Ortega, identified as the head of Counterintelligence at Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), has reportedly been detained along with several subordinates over allegations of extortion and kidnapping.
The allegations were made public by former Venezuelan police commissioner Iván Simonovis. There has been no official confirmation from Venezuelan authorities or independent verification of the reported arrests so far.
According to Simonovis, SEBIN counterintelligence officers detained Francisco Rivera, described as a businessman allegedly connected to the financial sector, and demanded an initial cash payment of $50,000.
Simonovis alleges that approximately one week later, Ortega ordered Rivera to be abducted again, this time demanding an additional $250,000 and a vehicle in exchange for his release.
Rivera allegedly complied with the demands to regain his freedom and subsequently reported the officials said to have been involved.
According to Simonovis’ account, a commission from Venezuela’s General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) later carried out arrests in connection with the case, including Ortega and several members of his team.
The allegations would represent a serious case involving officials within Venezuela’s intelligence apparatus if confirmed. However, authorities have not publicly announced the arrests or provided details about any criminal investigation or charges against Ortega and the other alleged suspects.
The claims therefore remain allegations based on Simonovis’ account, and it is not yet known whether prosecutors or other Venezuelan authorities have formally opened proceedings in the case.
Further official information is awaited.