HOUSTON – Law enforcement officials are offering a $3 million reward for information leading to the arrest of an alleged leader of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, 37, is the first member of the gang to appear on the FBI’s 10 most wanted fugitives list.
Although he is not believed to be in the U.S, he faces numerous federal charges, including providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, and international cocaine distribution.
SEE ALSO: FBI Houston arrests more suspected members of Tren de Aragua
Tuesday afternoon, FBI Houston held a press conference reporting Serrano’s addition to the list. KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry was at the FBI Houston headquarters during the presser.
Doug Williams, special agent in charge of the FBI in Houston, made the announcement.
“Let me be clear. Let me very clear. Giovanni should be considered armed and dangerous.” Williams said.
Williams was joined by several key figures, including U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Nick Ganjei, and representatives from various law enforcement agencies.
Tren de Aragua originated in Venezuela and is known for its extensive criminal activities, including drug trafficking, murder, and human trafficking. As investigators have been tracking Tren de Aragua’s crimes across Houston, they believe as a leader, Serrano may be behind some of them, according to the FBI.
“Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano’s leadership fuels an organization that thrives on brutal murders, forced prostitution, kidnappings, and the destruction of lives across continents,” Williams said in an FBI statement. “Today’s announcement makes it clear: no border will shield him from justice.”
While Serrano was the lone addition to the list, he has a co-defendant in this investigation. Jose Enrique Martinez-Flores has also been charged with crimes related to involvement in Tren de Aragua operations.
Serrano is the third fugitive investigated by FBI Houston to currently be on the top 10 list. The other two are Wilver Villegas-Palomino, a National Liberation Army leader believed to be in South America, and Yulin Adonay Archaga Carias, the leader of MS-13 in Honduras.
Anyone with information on Serrano’s location is asked to contact FBI via WhatsApp or Telegram at 281-787-9939. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy. You can submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
