Houston Gang Member Added to FBI’s Most Wanted List
In Houston, Texas, a member of the Tren de Aragua (TDA) foreign terrorist organization has found himself on the FBI’s most wanted list. Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, 37, is reportedly the first TDA member to achieve this dubious distinction.
This week, the FBI announced the addition of Serrano to their list after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas secured a warrant for his arrest. He is wanted for conspiring to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department designated TDA as a foreign terrorist group, according to reports.
Interestingly, Serrano’s addition to the most wanted list marks a notable moment. It’s been reported that he is the first TDA gang member to receive such recognition from the FBI.
Alongside the conspiracy charge, members of the TDA, originally from Venezuela, are also implicated in the distribution of Colombian cocaine intended for the U.S. market, as noted by the FBI.
Douglas Williams, the special agent in charge of the FBI in Houston, commented on Serrano’s leadership, stating that he leads organizations known for violent activities and destruction across the continent. “Today’s announcement makes that clear. The border will not protect him from justice. With community help, we aim to dismantle the TDA and stop the fear and crime spilling across borders,” Williams expressed.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed a federal complaint detailing multiple counts linked to drug manufacturing and distribution targeting the United States, as well as substantial support provided to TDA gangs. This group is viewed as a terrorist organization by the State Department.
Houston has been identified as a key entry point for TDA’s criminal operations in the U.S. Prosecutors have labeled Serrano as a “senior leader” of TDA, with specific ties to significant figures in the organization, including Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, who is also facing charges.
Total of five kilograms of cocaine is alleged to have been delivered under the directives from both Serrano and Martinez Flores for international distribution.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei emphasized that the expanding crime networks are a serious threat to Americans. “We are fully committed to dismantling these criminal organizations with all available legal resources,” he underscored. “If you harm a U.S. citizen, we will find you.”
The State Department is offering a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to Serrano’s arrest and conviction. The FBI encourages anyone with information to reach out through various methods, including messaging applications.
If found guilty, Serrano faces a lengthy prison sentence and potentially hefty fines.
