US Soldier’s Malta Connection: Betting on Maduro Raid

Imagine standing in the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, Malta’s capital, and hearing whispers of a US soldier’s involvement in a daring raid halfway across the globe. This isn’t a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster, but a reality that’s unfolding right now. The soldier, Air Force veteran Airan Berry, is alleged to have placed bets on the outcome of the failed raid targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

From Malta to Venezuela: The Raid that Never Was

On May 3, a group of armed mercenaries, including two former US soldiers, attempted to invade Venezuela from Colombia. Their target? President Maduro. The operation, dubbed ‘Operation Gedeon,’ was foiled before it could even begin, with the Venezuelan military quickly intercepting and arresting the raiders. Among them was Jordan Goudreau, a former US Green Beret who claimed to have ties to the Trump administration.

Enter Airan Berry, another former US soldier with a connection to Malta. Berry, who served in the US Air Force, is alleged to have placed bets on the outcome of the raid with a group of friends in the days leading up to the failed operation. According to court documents, Berry bet against Maduro’s survival, wagering that the Venezuelan president would be either captured or killed.

Malta’s Connection: A Web of Intrigue

Berry’s connection to Malta is unclear, but it’s known that he was in contact with Goudreau, who has been living in the Mediterranean island nation since 2019. Goudreau, who runs a security firm called Silvercorp USA, had been planning the raid for months, allegedly with the support of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó. Guaidó has denied any involvement in the operation.

Malta, a small island nation with a population of just over 500,000, has found itself at the center of this geopolitical storm. The island, known for its sunny beaches and historic sites like the ancient city of Mdina, has become a hub for ex-pat Americans, many of whom are former military personnel. This has led some to speculate that Malta’s strategic location and lax gun laws may have played a role in the planning of the failed raid.

Betting on Maduro’s Fate: The Legal Implications

Berry has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and violating the Neutrality Act, which prohibits US citizens from engaging in military conflicts against nations with which the US is at peace. If convicted, Berry could face up to life in prison. However, the legality of his alleged bets on Maduro’s fate is less clear.

According to legal experts, betting on the outcome of a political event or conflict is not illegal in and of itself. However, if the bets were part of a larger conspiracy to overthrow a foreign government, they could potentially be used as evidence in a criminal trial.

“Betting on the outcome of a political event is not a crime,” said Dr. Joseph Mifsud, a Maltese lawyer and expert in international law. “However, if those bets were part of a larger plan to overthrow a foreign government, they could potentially be used as evidence in a criminal trial.”

As the investigation into the failed raid continues, Berry’s alleged bets on Maduro’s fate have raised questions about the role of former US soldiers in foreign conflicts and the potential legal implications of such actions.

For now, the story of Airan Berry and the failed raid on Maduro remains a tale of intrigue and uncertainty, playing out against the backdrop of Malta’s historic streets and the wider geopolitical stage.