Armando.info: The Vanguard of Investigative Journalism in Venezuela
In an era where misinformation often clouds political reality, Armando.info has emerged as a critical pillar of truth in Venezuela. Starting as an investigative project in 2010 and formally launching in July 2014, this digital platform has dedicated itself to uncovering systemic corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental crises. By October 2017, the community had already produced over 300 detailed reports, establishing itself as a benchmark for rigorous, well-documented journalism in the region.
The platform's impact is recognized globally. The Spanish newspaper El País noted that the world would know very little of Venezuela's recent turmoil without the in-depth reporting provided by Armando.info. This commitment to transparency has not come without cost, as the team has faced severe legal retaliation and cyber attacks for exposing the inner workings of power.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: Project started in 2010; formally launched in July 2014.
- Focus Areas: Money laundering, human rights, environmental issues, and government corruption.
- Major Awards: Knight International Journalism Award (2018), Global Shining Light Award (2023), and the Gabo Awards Excellence Award (2025).
- Key Figures: Co-founded by José María Poliszuk and Ewald Scharfenberg.
- Funding: Primarily supported by grants from the National Endowment for Democracy and Open Society Foundations (as of 2019).
Leadership and Global Recognition
Led by co-founder José María Poliszuk, the Armando.info team has earned prestigious accolades for their resilience. Poliszuk, a member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), coordinated the Venezuelan team for the Panama Papers project. His work earned him the Knight International Journalism Award in 2018, recognizing him as a pioneer of digital information.
The platform's excellence continues to be recognized internationally. In 2023, they received the Global Shining Light Award for exposing illegal mining. Most recently, in 2025, the Gabo Foundation in Bogotá presented them with the Excellence Award, praising their commitment to truth in an age of misinformation.
Prominent Contributors
The platform has been a launchpad for exceptional female journalists. Isayen Herrera, now with the New York Times, was a Livingston Prize finalist for her work on reproductive rights and won the Press and Society Institute Award in 2021 for her Armando.info report on Carvativir.
Major Investigations and Legal Battles
Armando.info is best known for its fearless investigation into the CLAP program (Local Committees for Supply and Production), a government initiative intended to combat hunger. Their reporting revealed a darker reality of overpricing and exploitation.
The Alex Saab Case
In 2017, reports exposed the relationship between Colombian businessman Alex Saab and the Venezuelan government. Investigations revealed that Saab's connections to Grupo Grand involved charging the government prices far above market rates. Furthermore, a joint study with the Central University of Venezuela found that the milk powder supplied by Saab's company was nutritionally deficient, containing high sodium and only 1/41 of the protein found in normal milk.
The backlash was immediate. Journalists were threatened, and Saab filed defamation lawsuits. In September 2018, CONATEL (the National Commission of Telecommunications) officially banned journalists Roberto Deniz, Joseph Poliszuk, Ewald Scharfenberg, and Alfredo José Meza from mentioning Saab on Armando.info. This censorship, coupled with legal threats, forced many members of the team into exile.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Operación Alacrán
In December 2019, Armando.info uncovered a bribery scheme known as Operación Alacrán. The investigation reported that nine parliamentarians mediated for businessmen linked to the government. This led to the expulsion of deputies Luis Parra, José Brito, Conrado Pérez, and José Gregorio "Goyo" Noriega from their respective parties.
Opposition leaders and the US State Department alleged that the Maduro government offered up to US$1 million to opposition deputies to prevent them from voting for Juan Guaidó. Analysts suggest these tactics successfully influenced at least 14 deputies during the critical voting period in early 2020.
The Oil-for-Food Network
The platform has also highlighted the role of Antonio González Morales and his partner Jorge Giménez. They are linked to a network that allegedly circumvents international sanctions by trading PDVSA (the state-owned oil company) oil for food intended for the CLAP program.
Summary of Impact
| Investigation/Award | Key Finding/Recognition | Outcome/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| CLAP Program | Overpriced food and low-nutrition milk powder | Legal battles; journalists forced into exile |
| Operación Alacrán | Bribery of opposition parliamentarians | Expulsion of several deputies from their parties |
| Illegal Mining | Exposed illicit mining operations | Global Shining Light Award (2023) |
| Gabo Awards | Commitment to truth and rigor | Excellence Award (2025) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Armando.info?
Armando.info is a Venezuelan digital investigative journalism platform that focuses on uncovering corruption, money laundering, and human rights violations through well-documented reports.
Who is José María Poliszuk?
He is a co-founder of Armando.info and an award-winning journalist who has coordinated the Venezuelan team for the Panama Papers and received the Knight International Journalism Award.
What was the controversy surrounding the CLAP program?
Investigations revealed that the program, meant to feed the poor, was used for profit through overpricing and the distribution of low-quality, non-nutritious food products.
Why were Armando.info journalists forced into exile?
Many journalists fled Venezuela after facing defamation lawsuits, threats, and government bans (via CONATEL) following their reports on government-linked businessmen like Alex Saab.
What was Operación Alacrán?
It was a reported campaign of bribery and intimidation where the Venezuelan government allegedly offered money to opposition deputies to influence their votes against Juan Guaidó.