The probe into the Venezuelan Emtrasur plane, seized by Argentina earlier this month for possible ties to Iran, has extended to Paraguay and Chile. But investigations are complicated by shadowy ties between local politicians, Tehran, and its proxy Hizballah.

The plane previously was owned by Iran's Mahan Air, and had a crew that included seven Iranians.

Before arriving in Argentina, the Emtrasur plane landed May 13 in Paraguay with no cargo. There, it was loaded with 80 tons of cigarettes from Tabacalera del Este S.A., a company controlled by former President Horacio Cartes that is linked to Hizballah.

Source: Investigative Project on Terrorism