A U.S. investigation unveils how key allies of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele actively obstructed the extradition of MS-13 leaders to the United states, hindering efforts to dismantle the gang. The probe,looking into money laundering allegations and a potential deal between Bukele’s government and MS-13,revealed officials allegedly hampered extradition requests and possibly diverted U.S. aid. Federal agents probed the misuse of funds, and several Salvadoran law enforcement officials faced threats for cooperating, forcing them to flee. For extensive news analysis, including these findings, turn to News Directory 3. Discover what’s next as the Justice Department seeks to dismiss charges.
Bukele Allies Blocked MS-13 Extraditions, U.S. Investigation Finds
Updated june 13, 2025
Despite Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s tough-on-crime image, a U.S. investigation revealed that his top aides allegedly impeded the extradition of MS-13 leaders to the United States. The inquiry, initially focused on dismantling the gang’s leadership, expanded to examine a possible secret deal between the Bukele government and MS-13.
Federal agents also investigated whether Bukele and his inner circle diverted U.S. aid funds to the gang,allegedly providing money and power in exchange for votes and reduced homicide rates. Agents drafted a request in 2021 to review U.S.bank accounts held by Salvadoran political figures, including Bukele, to uncover evidence of money laundering.
the agents suspected that these individuals were heavily involved with MS-13 and were laundering funds from illicit businesses, further alleging they funded MS-13 to support political campaigns. The investigation was spearheaded by Joint Task Force Vulcan, created in 2019 at then-president Trump’s request.
U.S.officials reportedly helped at least eight Salvadoran law enforcement officials flee the country due to fears of retaliation from their own government. Christopher Musto, a former senior official at Homeland Security Investigations, said there was “good information on corruption between the gang and the Bukele administration.”
In May 2021, Bukele’s legislative majority ousted the attorney general and Supreme Court justices, who oversee extradition requests. Within months, newly installed justices reversed or halted six requests for senior gang leaders wanted in the U.S.
“Bukele’s people were coming to the Supreme Court and saying under no circumstances are we extraditing the MS-13 leaders,” said a U.S. official familiar with the investigation. “Delay, interfere, undermine, do what you have to do.’”
Senior Bukele officials allegedly helped an MS-13 leader escape from prison while facing extradition, according to court records and U.S. officials. The Trump administration, despite these issues, deported MS-13 members to El Salvador and praised Bukele’s partnership.
Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, said that President Trump was committed to removing dangerous criminals and terrorist illegals and was grateful for President bukele’s partnership.
What’s next
The U.S. Justice Department is seeking to dismiss charges against a second MS-13 leader, perhaps allowing his return to El Salvador. the full implications of the Vulcan investigation and its findings remain to be seen.
