Officials from the Metropolitan Police of Bogotá, Colombia, recently announced the arrest of five members of the Tren de Aragua, a notorious transnational criminal organization. This operation was part of a broader anti-extortion initiative targeting various neighborhoods in the city, specifically Kennedy, Antonio Nariño, and Bosa. The apprehended individuals, which included four men and one woman, have been linked to serious criminal activities, including extortion and homicide. The arrests reflect a concerted effort by local authorities to combat organized crime and enhance public safety in Bogotá.
Among those arrested was a man known by the alias “Bellaco,” who is alleged to have orchestrated a grenade attack in September that resulted in two fatalities and ten injuries, including two police officers. One of the victims, a 61-year-old woman named Emilia Elena Bermudez, succumbed to her injuries after being gravely wounded in the incident. This attack highlights the violent tactics employed by Tren de Aragua and underscores the importance of the ongoing crackdown on their activities. Bogotá’s Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, emphasized the city’s commitment to tackling extortion, proclaiming that these arrests were a significant development in the fight against criminal organizations.
The female detainee, identified as “Francesca,” was reportedly involved in extorting women engaged in sex work, exploiting vulnerable individuals within marginalized communities. Her arrest follows the detention of another Tren de Aragua member known as “Ratón,” who had been implicated in similar extortion schemes. The authorities have indicated that “Francesca” was acting under the direction of a key figure within the organization, identified as “Giovanny,” a close aide to the group’s elusive leader, Héctor “the Child” Guerrero. Notably, Guerrero’s whereabouts have been uncertain since a massive raid on the Tocorón prison in Venezuela, which had previously served as a stronghold for the group.
In a statement, José Daniel Gualdrón, commander of Bogotá’s Metropolitan Police, provided insights into the scope of the crackdown, revealing that a total of 178 individuals have been arrested in relation to extortion efforts since the operation began. Among those apprehended, 32 were affiliated with Tren de Aragua, while others belonged to various criminal factions. Gualdrón noted that these criminals resorted to mysticism and practices such as “santería” and “black magic” in a desperate attempt to evade law enforcement. The use of such methods is indicative of the psychological tactics employed by these organizations to maintain their grip on communities and instill fear among those who might cooperate with authorities.
The extortion activities carried out by Tren de Aragua have had devastating effects on local businesses and communities. The group is reported to have exerted control over the sale of narcotics in key nightlife areas, leveraging violence and intimidation against those who refused to comply with their demands. Merchants were often threatened with harm or violence not only towards themselves but also towards their families if they did not pay extortion fees. The Colombian Police made significant strides in this operation, seizing large quantities of narcotics, several firearms, and other criminal paraphernalia, which were indicative of the organization’s ongoing operations at the time of the arrests.
Mayor Galán praised the collaboration of the police and the Prosecutor’s Office in securing these arrests, asserting that this marked a substantial victory against the pervasive problem of extortion. The authorities have pledged to continue their efforts to dismantle organized crime networks in Bogotá. As the city grapples with the challenges posed by groups such as Tren de Aragua, the ongoing commitment from law enforcement signifies a proactive approach to restoring safety and security to the community. This series of events illustrates the growing intersection between organized crime and local governance in Colombia, and the significant efforts underway to combat these deeply entrenched issues.
