A Venezuelan national accused of leading a major criminal cell has been arrested in Los Angeles at the request of the Government of Chile, according to a March 13 announcement from the Justice Department. Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas, 40, was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service after completing a federal prison sentence in San Bernardino County.
Gámez Salas is alleged to be a leader of “Los Piratas,” which authorities describe as the main Chilean branch of the Venezuelan transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TdA). He faces seven charges in Chile, including criminal association, extortion, and kidnapping resulting in death. The arrest is part of ongoing efforts between U.S. and Chilean law enforcement to address transnational crime.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said, “Our country must never become a refuge for criminal illegal aliens who are senior members of foreign terrorist organizations. We will continue to work closely with our overseas law enforcement partners to ensure this defendant will face justice in a Chilean courtroom.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added, “This illegal alien from Venezuela is an alleged leader of the foreign terrorist organization TdA. While in the United States, he was convicted of human smuggling and is accused by Chile of heinous violent crimes. This man is a clear public safety threat and should never have been in this country but reentered the United States illegally under the Biden Administration. The Justice Department, along with our federal and international partners, will continue to put safety and security first.”
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated, “Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas’s arrest for purposes of extradition is evidence of the strong and ongoing cooperation between the United States and our foreign partners to combat transnational crime, dismantle foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua and hold members accountable for their heinous criminal acts. The United States is not a safe haven for dangerous criminal aliens. Thanks to the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, which worked extensively with Chilean authorities over the last year to obtain the facts and evidence necessary to initiate these extradition proceedings.”
Chilean authorities allege that Gámez Salas directed kidnappings—including one that resulted in murder—extortions, homicides, and other offenses on behalf of Los Piratas. In one case described by officials, members allegedly impersonated police officers during a kidnapping that led to a former Venezuelan military officer’s death; his body was later found buried beneath concrete following signs consistent with torture.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California supports community outreach through programs focused on victim assistance and public education according to its official website. The office serves more than 19 million residents across seven counties according to its official website, focusing on prosecuting federal criminal cases and handling civil matters for the government according to its official website. E. Martin Estrada has held the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website. The office works with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure public safety according to its official website.
Previously, another alleged TdA member was extradited from the U.S. to Chile on related charges involving kidnapping and murder.
The case highlights continued collaboration between U.S., Chilean authorities, and international agencies as they pursue prosecution against individuals accused of serious cross-border crimes.
