Police Impersonate Buyers, Steal Motorcycle in Maracaibo

Maracaibo Motorcycle Theft Highlights Police Corruption On May 28, 2025, a young couple in Sabaneta, Maracaibo, Venezuela, had their motorcycle stolen by police officers posing as buyers. The incident began when the victim showed his motorcycle, listed on Facebook Marketplace, to two plainclothes officers. After testing the motorcycle, the officers drew weapons. Six more uniformed officers arrived, assaulting the victim and attempting to force him into an unmarked black Aveo. The girlfriend was also assaulted when she refused to hand over her phone. "They were hitting me, scratching me, and trying to force me into the car," she recounted. The community intervened, prompting the officers to flee with the motorcycle, phones, and other belongings. This incident, captured on video, underscores concerns about police corruption and the vulnerability of citizens using online marketplaces. The authorities are investigating, and the victims have filed a formal complaint.