$12M Reward for Leaders of Tren de Aragua Criminal Organization

News Americas, New York, NY, July 11, 2024: The U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ), has announced rewards totaling up to $12 million for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of three leaders of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization.

FLASH BACK – Peruvian police carry out the transfer of one of the members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization in Lima on October 5, 2023. Peruvian police on Thursday captured the alleged leader and 31 other members of a faction of the Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan-born criminal organization that sows terror in several South American countries with murders and extortion, according to authorities. The offensive against what is considered the most dangerous gang operating in Peru was carried out in several regions of the country. (Photo by CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP via Getty Images)

The rewards are part of the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program and are offered for information on Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero, also known as “Niño Guerrero” (up to $5 million), Yohan Jose Romero, known as “Johan Petrica” (up to $4 million), and Giovanny San Vicente, known by several aliases including “Giovanny” and “El Viejo” (up to $3 million). These rewards are issued in coordination with the Government of Colombia and align with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s designation of Tren de Aragua as a Significant Transnational Criminal Organization under Executive Order 13581, amended by E.O. 13863.

Tren de Aragua, originating as a prison gang in Venezuela’s Tocorón Prison, has expanded its criminal network across South America and into Central America and the United States under the leadership of Niño Guerrero over the past six years.

The U.S., working with the Colombian National Police (CNP), believes that Niño Guerrero and Giovanny are currently in Colombia, while co-founder Johan Petrica is believed to be in Venezuela. The CNP has been effective in apprehending many leaders and violent members of Tren de Aragua in Colombia. Notable arrests include Salomón Fernández Torres, alias “El Salomón,” in Bogotá and Soacha on June 27, and TdA co-founder Larry Alvarez Nuñez, alias “Larry Changa,” the following week.

Bogotá’s Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galan, highlighted the efforts to capture Giovanny and Niño Guerrero as primary objectives following these arrests.

The reward offers are authorized by the Secretary under the Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, aimed at disrupting global transnational crime and bringing fugitives to justice.

Individuals with information are urged to contact the FBI and CNP via phone (voice, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or text) at +57 323 273 2168. Information can also be provided at the nearest U.S. or Colombian Embassy or Consulate. In the United States, tips can be directed to local FBI field offices.