Tren de Aragua linked to various violent crimes across Latin America

Authorities in several Latin American countries are investigating various violent crimes and transnational criminal activities. In Chile, the Prosecutor's Office has accused Venezuelan Minister Diosdado Cabello of negotiating and financing the assassination of former Venezuelan lieutenant Ronald Ojeda. The operation, allegedly carried out by the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, reportedly began in Colombia and concluded with Ojeda's death in Santiago in February 2024.

In Colombia, investigators are analyzing cell phone messages belonging to Professor Kevin Santiago Ángel to reconstruct his final movements before he was murdered in Bogotá. Prosecutors believe the crime was ordered by a cell of the Tren de Aragua.

In Peru, police are reconstructing a kidnapping and quadruple homicide in Trujillo involving mining businessman Jenss Lara Tantaquilla. Forensic tests recently showed that four suspects tested positive for gunshot residue. Additionally, in Piura, authorities are investigating the shooting death of Fernando Castillo near a bar.

In Venezuela, the CICPC has captured a suspect in a homicide motivated by debt in San Cristóbal, and is also investigating the shooting death of Ericsson Gabriel Rojas Rodríguez in Aragua following a verbal altercation.