Russian plane landed in Venezuela and sparked rumors in social networks

In a country flooded with rumors in the midst of a political crisis in which two men proclaimed themselves presidents of Venezuela, even the unexpected arrival of a Russian airliner can unleash the frenzy on social networks .

The Boeing 777, which belongs to the Russian company Nordwind Airlines, landed Monday night and was still visible on the runway of the Maiquetia airport on the outskirts of the capital on Wednesday, which provoked unconfirmed speculation that the government of President Nicolás Maduro wants to bring out the rest of the country's gold reserves.

A representative from Nordwind confirmed the arrival of the plane, but refused to reveal who had rented it, what was his cargo or his route. It is believed that this is the first time that the plane goes to Venezuela. Flight data show that he is flying generally inside Russia and Southeast Asia.

The opposition legislator, José Guerra, former director of the central bank, said that sources from the monetary authority had informed him that the plane had been hired to transport 20 tons gold, or about 15% of cash reserves in Caracas.

"We want this to be taken very seriously," Guerra told the Legislative Assembly.

"These reserves are not Calixto Ortega, they are the Venezuelan people," he added about the president of the Central Bank, a close ally of Maduro.

rumors

Since the beginning of the crisis, social networks have been saturated with rumors or inaccurate accusations, ranging from reports of military uprisings that have never occurred and accusations that Maduro security recruit teenagers.

Russia is leading a group of opponents in Washington who has defended Maduro and accused Washington of promoting a coup by rushing to recognize the president of the nation's controlled badembly. Opposition, Juan Guaidó, during his proclamation to the presidency of the week. past. Guaidó and his supporters say the constitution allows him to badume the interim presidency and to call elections after Maduro takes office for a second six-year term after elections considered by many to be illegitimate.

Russia is one of the main creditors of the Maduro government, which supplies arms. The state company Rosneft has big investments in the oil fields of Venezuela.