Background on the Tren de Aragua and “Niño Guerrero”
The Tren de Aragua is a transnational criminal gang originating from Venezuela, which has evolved from a prison gang involved in extortion and bribery to an influential organization threatening public security across the Americas. Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as “Niño Guerrero,” is the current leader of this gang.
Who is “Niño Guerrero”?
“Niño Guerrero” started his criminal career in the Tocorón prison in Aragua, Venezuela, over a decade ago. Under his leadership, Tocorón became one of Venezuela’s most notorious prisons, partly due to the unofficial government policy of ceding control of certain prisons to notorious criminal leaders known as “pranes.” This control allowed the gang to build a zoo, swimming pool, playground, restaurant, and nightclub within the prison walls.
US Sanctions Against Tren de Aragua Leaders
The US Department of the Treasury announced economic sanctions on Thursday against “Niño Guerrero” and other Tren de Aragua leaders, accusing them of involvement in illegal drug trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of women and children, money laundering, and other criminal activities.
Key Figures Targeted by Sanctions
- “Niño Guerrero”: The gang’s leader, targeted with a $5 million reward from the US Department of State for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
- Yohan José Romero (Johan Petrica): Accused of involvement in illegal mining and supplying the Tren de Aragua with military-grade weapons used to control Venezuelan streets and combat Colombian guerrillas.
- Josué Ángel Santana Peña (“Santanita”): Accused of homicide, extortion, bombings, terrorism, and robbery.
- Wilmer José Pérez Castillo: Accused of, among other crimes, the murder of Venezuelan security forces members.
- Wendy Marbelys Ríos Gómez: Wife of “Niño Guerrero.”
- Félix Anner Castillo Rondón (“Pure Arnel”): Leader of “Los Gallegos,” a Tren de Aragua cell operating in Chile.
Impact of US Sanctions
As a result of these sanctions, any assets or interests held by the sanctioned individuals in the US or under their control will be frozen. The US aims to prevent the Tren de Aragua from continuing to terrorize communities and harm innocent Americans.
Additional Context
The Tren de Aragua’s origins trace back to the Tocorón prison in Aragua, Venezuela. Under “Niño Guerrero’s” leadership, the prison became notorious due to the government’s unofficial policy of ceding control to criminal leaders known as “pranes.” This arrangement allowed the gang to amass wealth and resources, enabling them to build luxurious facilities within the prison.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is “Niño Guerrero”? Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the current leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang.
- What are the US sanctions against the Tren de Aragua? The US Department of the Treasury imposed economic sanctions on “Niño Guerrero” and other Tren de Aragua leaders, accusing them of various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.
- What is the Tren de Aragua? A transnational criminal gang originating from Venezuela, evolving from a prison gang to an influential organization threatening public security across the Americas.
- Why were sanctions imposed? To prevent the Tren de Aragua from continuing to terrorize communities and harm innocent Americans.
