On Thursday, Patricia Bullrich, the Minister of Security of Argentina, gave a detailed presentation in Chile about Hezbollah’s operations in the Triple Border region between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. This area is notorious for money laundering activities as documented by Brazilian police investigations.
Bullrich highlighted the involvement of the PCC (First Command of the Capital) from Brazil, along with Argentine and Paraguayan organizations involved in kidnappings, robberies, and drug trafficking by Hezbollah. These activities include buying and laundering money through “facade organizations” where operators pose as merchants or businessmen from the region.
She emphasized the sophistication and planning seen in these activities that resemble contexts associated with armed forces. Bullrich also referenced a recent judicial decision in Argentina that labeled Iran as a terrorist state operating through Hezbollah. The decision implicated Iran in two significant terrorist attacks on Amia and the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires.
Following these revelations, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for international arrest warrants for those responsible for the Amia attack, including Iranian Interior Minister. These actions sparked international reactions, including protests from Chilean President Gabriel Boric and apologies from Bullrich regarding her previous statements about Hezbollah’s presence in Iquique, Chile.
Overall, these developments have led to heightened scrutiny and calls for international action against Hezbollah and its sponsors like Iran.