Biker says motorcycle riders in Venezuela are being killed for spare vehicle parts

The leader of Venezuela's National Socialist Federation of Motorbikers says that shortages of motorcycle parts are leading people to kill riders for their bikes.

"Well-dressed women participate in the scam," Jorge Montaño told Reuters. "They ask for a taxi ride, and when you arrive there is a thief waiting to rob you. Sometimes our companions don't want to hand over the motorcycle and they shoot them in the legs or they kill them." Montaño said that 17 people have been killed for their bikes so far this year in his home state of Vargas.

In addition to a lack of motorcycle parts, Venezuela is suffering from shortages of basic necessities like food and medicine. Montaño said he'd like to see President Nicolas Maduro import spare parts from China so the violence can end, an idea other motorbike riders agree with. "The situation is worsening," a man from Caracas who was held up at gunpoint for his vehicle told Reuters. "You live life minute-to-minute."

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