LA GUAIRA — Four Venezuelan police officers were arrested and dismissed from their positions after being accused of looting cash from the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira. The incident occurred following two earthquakes on June 24, 2025.

The Scientific, Penal and Criminalistic Investigation Service Corps (CICPC) initiated disciplinary action for the immediate dismissal of the four officers. The CICPC stated, "In light of the recent events in the areas affected by the earthquakes in La Guaira state, it was confirmed that a group of officers, deviating from their duties and taking advantage of the rescue and humanitarian aid efforts, acted improperly by appropriating valuables found among the rubble." The agency added, "This individual conduct, reprehensible and contrary to the fundamental values of our doctrine, directly undermines the institution's prestige and public respect."

The earthquakes, which measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, killed nearly 2,000 people, injured over 10,000, and left tens of thousands missing. Videos circulating on social media showed individuals attempting to prevent CICPC members from taking a safe filled with dollars from a damaged building in La Guaira state. Rescue operations continued in the Playa Grande area of La Guaira state, where a three-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble of a building on Tuesday.

The Venezuelan government restricted public access to La Guaira on Friday. A government employee stationed at a checkpoint in La Guaira on Sunday reported witnessing police officers and military personnel take aid from three trucks carrying supplies. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, stated that 855 buildings had been damaged, with 189 completely collapsed. Preliminary analysis of satellite data suggests that more than 58,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed. John Barrett, the US embassy's charge d'affaires, stated he had "a great deal of confidence" in local authorities regarding the disaster response.