Blackwater founder probed by Venezuela over anti

Venezuelan authorities have initiated an investigation into an online fundraising campaign led by Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, which claims to have raised over $1 million to support efforts to oust President Nicolas Maduro. The campaign, titled 'Ya Casi Venezuela,' was launched in early September following the controversial presidential election held on July 28, which Maduro claims to have won, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud from the opposition and the international community. The campaign promotes the idea that Venezuelans will play a crucial role in the regime's downfall, although it does not specify how this will be achieved. Prince, a former Navy SEAL with connections to Donald Trump, has made statements urging Venezuelans to financially support the movement for democracy. His videos have garnered millions of views, indicating significant public interest. However, the Venezuelan opposition has distanced itself from the campaign, and attempts to contact the organizers for clarification have gone unanswered. Maduro has reacted to the campaign by suggesting it is part of a Western plot to destabilize his government, linking it to recent arrests of individuals accused of plotting against him. He has called for vigilance among his supporters, implying that they should prepare for potential violence. The situation highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela, where the aftermath of the disputed election has led to unrest, with numerous arrests and fatalities reported. The international community remains concerned about the implications of these developments for human rights and stability in the region.