The Chilean government has successfully apprehended Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas, 40, identified as the purported leader of a Venezuelan criminal group called “El Turco” based in Los Angeles.
Gamez Salas was arrested on Wednesday and his capture was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice in a recent press release. He faces extradition to Chile to address seven criminal charges.
Among the charges against him are criminal association, two counts of extortion, two counts of illegal firearm discharge, and two counts of kidnapping—one with intent to commit murder and another for extortion. These charges involve multiple victims and a range of crimes.
He is accused of masterminding several kidnappings and extortions linked to Torren de Aragua (TdA), specifically involving the kidnapping and murder of a Venezuelan military lieutenant in Santiago, Chile, in February 2024.
In this case, members of Los Pilatas, pretending to be police officers, allegedly forced the lieutenant out of his apartment. His body was uncovered a week later, found buried in concrete and lime.
Authorities intercepted conversations that indicated Salas received directives from higher-ups to carry out both the kidnapping and the murder.
Furthermore, the Chilean government suspects him of being involved in a deadly encounter in April 2024 that resulted in the death of a police officer, as well as other kidnappings that took place in early and mid-2024.
Salas has a prior conviction in the United States for human smuggling and illegal entry after deportation.
He is also known by the alias “Adrian Rafael Gamez Finol” and has been implicated in various schemes involving kidnappings, extortions, and murders.
Salas had been deported to Venezuela in 2023 but managed to re-enter the U.S. unlawfully. He was apprehended and charged with human smuggling in Texas, receiving an indictment in February 2025.
In April 2025, Salas pleaded guilty and was serving time in Central California when the extradition warrant was issued. He was captured by the U.S. Marshals Service while fulfilling his federal sentence.
He was brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles F. Ike in Los Angeles before being taken back into federal custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri remarked, “Our country must not become a haven for criminal illegal aliens who are leaders of foreign terrorist organizations. We will work with our international law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served in Chile.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche referred to Salas as a serious public safety threat, stating he had re-entered the U.S. illegally under the current administration. The Department of Justice remains focused on safety and security.
Assistant Attorney General A. Theisen Duba emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and foreign authorities to confront transnational crime and hold those involved in violent acts accountable, reinforcing that the U.S. is not a refuge for dangerous criminals.
