On Thursday, in a meeting held in Chile, the Minister of Security of Argentina, Patricia Bullrich, provided a detailed overview of how the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah operates in the Triple Border region between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. She emphasized that money laundering activities take place in this region, as documented by Brazilian police investigations.
Bullrich highlighted the involvement of the PCC (First Command of the Capital) from Brazil, as well as Argentine and Paraguayan organizations involved in kidnappings, robberies, and drug trafficking by Hezbollah. These activities include buying and laundering money through “facade organizations” in which the operators pose as merchants or businessmen from the region.
She underscored the sophistication and planning seen in these activities, which resemble contexts associated with armed forces. Bullrich also referenced a recent judicial decision in Argentina where Iran was labeled as a terrorist state operating through Hezbollah. The decision implicated Iran in two major terrorist attacks on Amia and Israeli Embassy headquarters in Buenos Aires.
Following these developments, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for international arrest warrants to be issued 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 earlier statements about Hezbollah’s presence in Iquique Chile.
Overall, these revelations have led to increased scrutiny and calls for international action against Hezbollah and Iran’s involvement in terrorism activities.