By Natalia Rueda 
The US government has taken a decisive step in the fight against transnational organized crime by announcing substantial rewards for information leading to the capture of three leaders of the notorious “Tren de Aragua” criminal organization. This Venezuelan-born gang has rapidly expanded its influence throughout the Americas, prompting U.S. authorities to offer up to $12 million in rewards, underscoring the urgency of addressing this growing threat to regional security.
Who are they?
At the forefront of this initiative is the FBI, working in collaboration with Colombian authorities. The most significant reward, a staggering $5 million, has been placed on the head of the gang’s leader, known by the alias “Niño Guerrero” who is believed to operate out of Colombia. Two other high-ranking members, “Johan Petrica” and an individual known as “Giovanni” have bounties of $4 million and $3 million on their heads, respectively.
Tren de Aragua
The Aragua Train is a criminal organization that originated in the state of Aragua, Venezuela. This organization engages in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion and robbery. Its hierarchical structure and high level of violence have made it one of the most dangerous criminal gangs and has generated concern due to its operations in different cities across the country.
This latest move by US authorities follows a major victory against the organization. Just a week ago, Colombian authorities successfully arrested Larry Alvarez Nuñez, alias “Larry Changa,” one of the founding members of the Aragua Train in Bogota.
The substantial rewards offered by the US government underscore a growing recognition of the Aragua Train’s threat to regional stability and security. As this criminal network continues to expand its reach and sophistication, law enforcement agencies throughout the Americas face an increasingly complex challenge. The situation calls for increased international cooperation and coordinated efforts to effectively dismantle these intricate criminal enterprises.