Rausch claims the gang is involved in human trafficking here in Tennessee and, based on its operations in other states, will soon expand into retail theft rings and the drug trade.

While state leaders are sharing concerns about a “violent” Venezuelan gang reemerging and operating in major Tennessee cities, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler said the sheriff’s office’s gang unit does not have any active investigations involving the gang.

While the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation warned of a violent Venezuelan gang in Tennessee, the Knoxville Police are not aware of any members or activities in Knoxville.