Part 9/15:
Vargas suggests that more interpersonal awareness and internal checks from colleagues may be the best line of defense—highlighting the importance of trust and vigilance among agents. Still, he acknowledges that some level of corruption is almost inevitable due to the money and influence faced by officials working in high-stakes environments.
The Military Experience and the Cartel Threat
One eye-catching question is whether former US special forces or military personnel are working with cartels. Both experts share skepticism, citing the lack of verified evidence. Vargas emphasizes that stolen valor claims are common—many individuals pretend to have elite military backgrounds, but claims remain unsubstantiated.