LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The FBI has arrested a high-ranking MS-13 chief based mostly in Las Vegas who’s accused of orchestrating 11 murders, federal officers mentioned.
Joel Vargas-Escobar faces costs, together with racketeering, for a number of murders, federal officers mentioned. In 2018, the federal authorities deported Vargas-Escobar to El Salvador, however he illegally re-entered the nation.
Vargas-Escobar allegedly co-led MS-13’s actions in Nevada and California, particularly within the Las Vegas valley, officers mentioned, including they imagine he personally “ordered” two murders. MS-13 is a nationwide and transnational gang with an estimated 10,000 members throughout 10 states and the District of Columbia.
“MS-13 operates through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics,” federal officers mentioned. “MS-13 is organized by subsets often known as ‘cliques,’”’ and every clique sometimes has a number of leaders, generally known as “shot callers.”
A federal indictment was first filed in opposition to Vargas-Escobar in 2021, data mentioned. Federal brokers arrested Vargas-Escobar on Tuesday in Lengthy Island, New York, they mentioned.
“The indictment charges members of the ‘Parkview’ clique of MS-13 with committing 11 murders over about a year in Nevada and California,” officers mentioned in a information launch. “According to the indictment, many of the victims were allegedly kidnapped by MS-13 members and taken to remote locations in the mountains and desert where they were tortured and killed.”
“The American people are safer following the arrest of yet another MS-13 leader thanks to the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan,” Lawyer Normal Pam Bondi mentioned in a information launch. “This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders — under President Trump’s leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars.”
“The FBI is fully dedicated to utilizing all available resources to partner with local, state, and federal agencies in disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations that pose a threat to the communities we serve,” FBI Las Vegas Particular Agent In Cost Spencer Evans mentioned. “Every family has the right to reside in a community free from fear and gang violence. We encourage the public to provide information that can assist us in this critical mission. Do not suffer in silence; law enforcement is prepared to support victims and promote safer communities for everyone.”
Vargas-Escobar shall be returned to Nevada to face a federal decide within the coming weeks.
