A tough line of work: Low pay and dangers for Venezuelan bodyguards

With the country’s oil-based economy crumbling, and the gap between the wealthy and poor widening, the demand for bodyguards is climbing. Soaring crime has given Venezuela the second-highest homicide rate in the world, outside of a warzone, according to the United Nations. It’s also increased the demand for bodyguards, and helped them gain legitimacy — as recently as 15 years ago, they were called “lavaperros,” or dog washers, after the menial chores they were expected to perform. The job is a potentially deadly one, with 100 government-affiliated bodyguards killed last year, and more than that so far this one.

This is an ungrateful profession that leaves you with scars.

Julio Delgado, bodyguard, earns $250 per month as a bodyguard for an automobile importer

The meager bodyguard salaries — about $125 per month, which is about three times the minimum wage — have caused some to turn to violent crimes in their off hours to make up for their meager salaries. In October, the country was scandalized when a young congressman was found slain in his home, allegedly by his own bodyguards.

Venezuela Americas