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US Cracks Down on Venezuelan Gang, Tren de Aragua
Federal authorities announced sanctions Thursday against six leaders and key members of the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, including its leader, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as “Niño Guerrero.” This action marks the latest move by the United States to combat the gang’s growing influence in the Western Hemisphere.
The Treasury Department stated that Guerrero, who has been involved in criminal activities for over two decades, transformed Tren de Aragua from a prison-based extortion and bribery ring into a powerful organization with a significant presence across the region. A reward of up to $5 million has been offered for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
Among the other sanctioned individuals are Yohan Jose Romero, or “Johan Petrica,” who allegedly oversees the gang’s illegal mining operations and supplies them with military-grade weapons; Josue Angel Santana Pena, or “Santanita,” accused of assisting Guerrero in directing the gang’s activities from prison; and Wilmer Jose Perez Castillo, or “Wilmer Guayabal,” a suspected lieutenant implicated in the deaths of military and intelligence officials. A reward of up to $4 million has been offered for information leading to Romero’s arrest or conviction.
Also facing sanctions are Felix Anner Castillo Rondon, or “Pure Arnel,” who allegedly leads a sector known as “Los Gallegos,” accused of homicides, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug trafficking in Chile; and Wendy Marbelys Rios Gomez, Guerrero’s wife, alleged to be involved in money laundering, terrorism, and terrorist financing, and believed to have profited from the gang’s criminal activities.
These sanctions, implemented by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, aim to freeze all U.S.-based assets and transactions of the sanctioned individuals. Any violations could result in severe penalties for both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the importance of targeting these leaders to disrupt Tren de Aragua’s destabilizing influence. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to dismantling the gang and protecting communities from its violence.
Tren de Aragua initially operated as a prison gang but expanded its reach under Guerrero’s leadership during his incarceration at Venezuela’s Tocorón Prison. He reportedly gained control of gold mines and border crossings between Venezuela and Colombia. The gang has been linked to a wide range of violent crimes, including murder, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping, bribery, and racketeering.
This action follows last month’s announcement by the Venezuelan prosecutor’s office of an investigation into the livestreamed murder of a popular TikTok user who had publicly criticized the gang and allegedly corrupt police officials. The Venezuelan government, however, maintains that Tren de Aragua has been dismantled and denies its existence.