Blackwater founder probed by Venezuela over anti-Maduro campaign [Video]

Venezuelan authorities launched an investigation Tuesday into a mysterious online fundraiser fronted by the founder of infamous US security contractor Blackwater, who claims to have raised over $1 million towards ousting President Nicolas Maduro.

The “Ya Casi Venezuela” (We’re Nearly There Venezuela) campaign site was launched in early September, in response to the country’s July 28 disputed presidential election.

Incumbent Socialist strongman Maduro claimed victory in the election, which the opposition says he stole.

Much of the international community has refused to recognize Maduro’s win, demanding to see detailed election results to back his claim.

Launched earlier this month on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X, “Ya Casi Venezuela” promises that Venezuelans will be “witnesses and protagonists in the fall of the regime” of Maduro, but stops short of saying how it will achieve that end.

The campaign first featured a countdown in days, hours and minutes until September 16, which …