Colombia captures a suspected Tren de Aragua gang leader as US security ties deepen
Authorities say the arrest deepens U.S.-Colombia cooperation against Tren de Aragua, a group linked to extortion, arms trafficking and drug crimes across the region.
- On Thursday, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the capture of Luis Nieto, an alleged senior leader of Tren Aragua known as "Nairobi," arrested in Fontibón, Bogotá.
- Originating as a prison gang in Tocorón, Tren Aragua expanded across South America and Central America into the United States, which designated the group a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025.
- Nieto allegedly coordinated international arms and drug trafficking across the region, according to the president; he served as the gang's leader in Peru and trusted associate of Hctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as "Niño Guerrero."
- President Abelardo declared "Colombia will not be a refuge or sanctuary for any criminal," pledging to pursue offenders to justice; The State Department offers up to $5 million for information on "Niño Guerrero."
- Authorities have not disclosed specific charges or which jurisdiction handles the case; while Peruvian media reported the detention, officials have not confirmed whether the United States submitted an extradition request.
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61 Articles
Forerunners in Peru have arrested a leader of a Venezuelan drug gang with the help of the US and Chile. The man was also wanted for alleged abduction.
The arrest took place in the morning, in a street in the busy district of San Martín de Porres, in the north of Lima. The suspect was in possession of false documents, according to the Peruvian police.
The Peruvian National Police arrested an alleged leader in Chile of the transnational criminal gang of Venezuelan origin Tren de Aragua, which is being requested by the Chilean justice system for allegedly integrating a network of kidnappings and extortions. The detainee, of Venezuelan nationality, had a valid arrest warrant and was identified ... Continue reading "They arrest in Peru a "R15", alleged leader of the Aragua Train in Chile" The pos…
The Aragua Train, designated as a terrorist organization by Washington, was formed in 2014 in the Venezuelan state of the same name and, according to intelligence reports, has spread to eight South American countries.
Ibelmery Colina Maldonado was investigated by the Supraterritorial Prosecutor's Office and the BIPE Anti-kidnapping for a kidnapping that occurred in May in Central Station. It will be put at the disposal of Chilean justice after his expulsion.
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