Doubts have been cast over the calibre of the opposition led by Juan Guaidó

Tens of thousands of dollars sent in aid to help Venezuelan soldiers defect from the Maduro regime were spent on parties and nightclubs by members of the opposition, it has been claimed.

An investigation into the embezzlement allegations has cast further doubt over the calibre of the opposition led by Juan Guaidó, which has lost momentum in its efforts to replace President Maduro.

The two accused, Rossana Barrera and Kevin Rojas, had been appointed to manage roughly $100,000 to pay for accommodation and transport costs incurred by military defectors who crossed the border into Colombia. They are accused of siphoning off as much as $60,000. Both deny the allegations and so far have not been charged.

Humberto Calderón, an aide to Mr Guaidó in Bogota,