Rolnar Sanabria’s innovative approach to criminal law is shaping security strategies across Latin America and the U.S.
Rolnar Sanabria: Bridging Security Gaps Between Latin America and the U.S.
In a world increasingly threatened by transnational crime, Rolnar Sanabria stands as a legal expert pioneering new methods to combat organized crime. With a career that began in Venezuela, his work is now resonating across Latin America and the United States, where his expertise is reshaping security strategies on both sides of the border.
A Career Forged in Venezuela’s Complex Legal Landscape
Sanabria’s path to becoming a leading security expert started at the Catholic University of Táchira in Venezuela, where he earned his law degree in 2007. However, it was his time navigating the complex and often dangerous legal landscape of Venezuela that truly shaped his approach to law and security. As a prosecutor from 2014 to 2018, Sanabria worked on some of the country’s most high-profile cases, all while grappling with Venezuela’s strained legal and political systems.
“In Venezuela, law enforcement challenges are visceral, not theoretical,” says Sanabria, reflecting on the often life-threatening nature of his work. His experience investigating organized crime, drug trafficking, and systemic corruption exposed him to the realities of transnational crime that affect both Latin America and the U.S.
Notable Cases: Courage and Skill in Action
Sanabria’s career has been marked by courageous and impactful work on several high-profile cases. One of his early successes was in 2014, when he uncovered a human trafficking ring that smuggled Somali nationals across multiple Latin American countries. In 2015, he handled a real estate fraud case impacting 36 victims, underscoring his commitment to economic justice. That same year, he investigated a case of electrical sabotage with national security implications, further expanding his legal expertise.
Perhaps his most notable case occurred in 2016, when he successfully brought charges against Venezuelan military officials involved in the illegal smuggling of iron bars. Later that year, he led the investigation into a prison riot that resulted in a homicide, a case that gained international media attention.
“Each case was a step toward understanding the evolving nature of crime,” Sanabria reflects, “and how we must adapt our approaches to meet these challenges.”
Establishing LISE: A Visionary Approach to Regional Security
Realizing that existing security approaches were inadequate to address the increasingly sophisticated nature of transnational crime, Sanabria founded the Latino Institute for Security Efficiency (LISE). Based in the U.S., LISE aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical law enforcement, focusing on the unique security challenges faced by Latin American countries.
“LISE is not just an educational project,” Sanabria explains. “It’s a response to the urgent need for more professional, modernized security strategies in a world where crime knows no borders.” The institute’s key goals include developing advanced criminal profiling techniques, providing specialized training for security agencies, and fostering cooperation between Latin American and U.S. agencies.
Global Recognition and International Partnerships
Sanabria’s innovative methodologies have not gone unnoticed. He’s been invited to present his work at the International Conference of the International Association for Identification (IAI), underscoring the global relevance of his insights. According to Sanabria, this presentation is meant to highlight how his experience in Venezuela could inform broader security practices worldwide.
“Sanabria’s approach represents a fresh perspective that is highly relevant to both Latin America and the United States,” says Liliana Mangiafico, a law professor at a U.S. university. “His strategies for combating organized crime could contribute significantly to U.S. security frameworks.”
Expert Endorsements: A Future of Cross-Border Collaboration
Sanabria’s work has garnered praise from security experts worldwide. Walter Henao, an experienced police investigator, notes that his methods could be invaluable for U.S. law enforcement dealing with complex, transnational criminal cases. “Sanabria’s leadership and technical skills are unmatched in handling high-stakes cases,” Henao says.
Despite challenges in implementing his strategies in a U.S. context, ranging from cultural differences to varying legal frameworks, Sanabria remains optimistic. “The complexity of legal and cultural perspectives is not a barrier; it’s an asset,” he argues, believing that collaboration across borders will create stronger, more adaptable security solutions.
A New Paradigm for Hemispheric Security Cooperation
As U.S. security agencies continue to face growing concerns about transnational crime and its links to Latin America, experts like Rolnar Sanabria offer an invaluable bridge. His combination of on-the-ground experience in Venezuela’s complex legal environment, coupled with his forward-thinking vision, presents a unique opportunity to enhance hemispheric security cooperation.
“The challenges we face today are global,” says Sanabria. “Only by working together, sharing knowledge, and developing comprehensive strategies can we hope to create a safer future for all our citizens.”
Through his work, Sanabria is contributing not only to the security landscape of Latin America but also to the broader international dialogue on combating transnational crime. His vision for collaborative, innovative approaches to security offers a promising path forward for stronger cross-border cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
For more information on Rolnar Sanabria’s work and initiatives, visit his LinkedIn profile and explore Latinosecurity.com.
