Mexico captures FBI’s most-wanted ‘El Veterano’

(MENAFN) In a significant operation, Mexican authorities captured Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a notorious figure in the transnational MS-13 gang, widely known by his alias "El Veterano." He was also one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives. The arrest, which took place in Veracruz, Mexico, was confirmed by the country's Security Ministry.

At 48, Roman-Bardales played a crucial role in the global criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), originating from El Salvador. He is believed to have been responsible for coordinating and overseeing the gang’s operations across several countries, including El Salvador, Mexico, and the United States.

Roman-Bardales was included on the FBI’s prestigious list of the top 10 most-wanted fugitives, with a substantial $250,000 reward for his capture. His arrest took place in Veracruz, a city located on Mexico's eastern coastline.

On September 22, 2022, a New York federal court authorized a warrant for his capture. The charges against him were numerous, including conspiracy to supply and conceal material support to terrorists, participation in a narco-terrorism conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, and involvement in an alien smuggling conspiracy.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, U.S. officials are actively seeking Roman-Bardales for his involvement in drug trafficking networks, extortion activities, and organizing violence targeted at both citizens and competing gangs.

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