The arrest of Larry Álvarez, one of the founders of the notorious Venezuelan gang El Tren de Aragua, in Colombia has shed light on the extent of the gang’s criminal activities. Álvarez, also known as Larry Changa, had escaped prison in Venezuela in 2015 and had been on the run ever since. He fled to Chile and then made his way to Colombia using fake papers in 2022.
Colombian authorities, who were assisted by police in Venezuela and Chile, arrested Álvarez in the central area of Circasia. He is wanted by 196 countries for his involvement with the gang, which has been linked to various crimes across the United States. These crimes include the murder of college student Laken Riley and the smuggling of guns into migrant shelters in New York City.
El Tren de Aragua, which means “The Aragua Train” in English, originated as a railway worker’s union from the Aragua region in Venezuela. However, it has since evolved into a transnational criminal organization involved in various illicit activities. The gang’s activities have caught the attention of federal authorities in the US, leading to over 100 investigations related to the gang.
One such case involves Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan migrant who allegedly killed Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Another suspect, Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, is accused of shooting two NYPD officers. Castro Mata revealed that he was recruited by the gang’s “coordinator” in New York City to be part of their group of thieves specializing in “snatch and grab” moped thefts. He also disclosed that the gang smuggles guns into NYC migrant shelters by hiding them in food delivery bags.
The gang’s smuggling methods are designed to bypass metal detectors, allowing them to bring firearms into the shelters undetected. Castro Mata also revealed that the gang often engages in shootouts with police because in Venezuela, law enforcement officers are known to shoot gang members for even minor infractions. These revelations highlight the violent nature of the gang and the risks they pose to both law enforcement and innocent civilians.
El Tren de Aragua’s criminal activities have not only attracted the attention of authorities in the US but also continue to be a major concern for the Venezuelan government. In September 2023, the government sent 11,000 soldiers to seize a prison that the gang had taken control of in the Tocorón region. This demonstrates the magnitude of the challenge posed by the gang and the efforts being made to counter their influence.
The arrest of Larry Álvarez provides a significant breakthrough in the fight against El Tren de Aragua. It not only removes one of the gang’s founders from the streets but also sends a strong message that law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling the organization. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant as other members of the gang are still at large and may continue to carry out criminal activities. The collaboration between international law enforcement agencies is key in combating transnational criminal organizations like El Tren de Aragua and ensuring the safety of communities both in the US and abroad.
