Nazi war criminal Barbie was key figure in cocaine trade, report says
Briefly

Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie, known as the 'Butcher of Lyon', was actively involved in the drug trade in South America after World War II. After fleeing to Bolivia, he became a security adviser to drug lord Roberto Suarez and was instrumental in military actions during Luiz Garcia Meza's regime. Reports indicate he helped create death squads and connected with other infamous figures, including Pablo Escobar. American intelligence was suspicious of Barbie's drug trade involvement as early as 1974, revealing his complex legacy as a war criminal turned narcotics advisor.
Barbie was deeply involved in establishing one of South America's major drug cartels after fleeing World War II. His expertise in military strategy was significant.
Gary Suarez mentioned that Barbie was an important figure to his father, contributing knowledge about security and military operations, impacting the drug trade significantly.
The connections between Barbie and Bolivian military regimes, including death squads, demonstrate his deep involvement in violent political changes in South America during the late 20th century.
A CIA report from 1974 indicated suspicions regarding Barbie's ties to the drug trade, underscoring his dual role as a war criminal and narcotics consultant.
Read at The Local Germany
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