Police officers arrested for stealing money amidst earthquake debris in Venezuela

Following a series of severe earthquakes in Venezuela, four police officers have been arrested and suspended from duty on charges of stealing money from the rubble of destroyed buildings. The country's Scientific, Criminal and Forensic Investigation Service (CICPC) arrested these officers for dereliction of duty and misusing aid received during relief efforts.

Due to large-scale earthquakes, nearly two thousand people have died and tens of thousands are missing, with the destruction being immense. Local and international rescue teams are still engaged in search operations for the affected in the capital and other affected areas, but the public is highly displeased due to the slow pace of relief efforts and the inappropriate behavior of some security forces members.

Videos circulating on social media show helpless people in the La Guaira region protesting against the misconduct of police officers. Meanwhile, it is shocking that even when emerging from the rubble of collapsed houses, volunteers are carrying out rescue operations with their bare hands due to lack of proper equipment.

Criticism is being leveled against the government's actions regarding relief efforts, with volunteers stating that the support received from authorities is extremely minimal. Due to the government restricting access to certain areas and issues arising in the distribution of aid, people are suffering from hunger and severe hardships.

Government officials deny these allegations, stating that the public has been provoked by false information and propaganda spread through social media. However, a heated debate has arisen within political circles regarding how the current administration is handling disaster management and the influences from countries like the United States.