Venezuelan Gang Members Indicted in NYC for Murder, Sex Trafficking, and RICO Charges

Major Indictment Against Venezuelan Gangs

• 🎯 More than two dozen alleged members of notorious Venezuelan gangs have been indicted on federal charges in New York City.
• ⚖️ For the first time, the racketeering law (RICO statute) is being used to prosecute these gangs, highlighting the severity of their alleged crimes.

Allegations and Criminal Activities

• 🚨 The indictment includes charges of murder and sex trafficking, alongside other violent crimes.
• 💥 Investigators link the gangs to multiple shootings, home invasions, carjackings, and a wave of street crime targeting New Yorkers and tourists.
• 💸 Victims, primarily vulnerable women from Venezuela, were allegedly forced into sex work with threats against their families.

Incidents Leading to Investigation

• 🚓 The case traces back to incidents involving the attack of police officers in Times Square and a shooting in East Elmhurst, Queens.
• 🛠️ Investigations following these events led to the seizure of 33 guns and the indictments against 27 alleged gang members.

Gangs and Law Enforcement Partnership

• 👥 The indicted individuals are allegedly members of Tren de Aragua and its offshoot, Tren de Aragua.
• 🤝 The arrests involved a partnership between immigrations agents and New York City police officers, focusing on significant public safety and national security threats.

Legal Proceedings

• 🔒 24 suspects are in custody, with three others still being sought.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Authorities state the suspects will remain in custody and face trial in New York.