Veracruz Arrest: Mara Leader, Top FBI Fugitive
MS-13 Leader “El Veterano” Apprehended in Veracruz, Mexico, Faces U.S. Extradition
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Published: 2025-03-17
Mexico City – Francisco Javier Román Bardales, also known as “El Veterano,” identified as a high-ranking leader within the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, was apprehended in Veracruz this Monday. He was on the FBI’s list of top 10 most wanted fugitives and will be transferred to Mexico City for deportation to the United States, where he is wanted by law enforcement.
Charges Against the MS-13 Leader
according to the security Cabinet of the Mexico City Government, Román Bardales, a Salvadoran national, is wanted by U.S. authorities on multiple charges. These include:
- conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists
- Conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism
- Conspiracy to engage in organized crime
- Conspiracy to traffic in aliens
His operations spanned the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador, highlighting the international reach of MS-13.
International Cooperation Leads to Arrest
The arrest of “El Veterano” resulted from international cooperation efforts.The operation involved personnel from several agencies, including the:
- Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Defense)
- Secretaría de Marina (Semar)
- Fiscalía General de la república (FGR)
- Guardia Nacional (GN)
- secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC)
Law enforcement teams conducted surveillance, leading to the identification and arrest of Francisco Javier “N” on the Teocelo-Baxtla highway.
FBI Reward and Allegations
the FBI offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of Román Bardales, 48, originally from Ahuachapán, El Salvador, for his alleged role in directing MS-13 activities in the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador.
Authorities allege that:
“Se le atribuye ser un alto líder de la MS-13. Román-Bardales ha sido acusado de varios delitos por su presunta participación en la organización de numerosos actos de violencia contra civiles y pandilleros rivales, así como por su participación en la distribución de drogas y esquemas de extorsión en Estados Unidos y El Salvador.”
Legal Proceedings
On September 22, 2022, the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, Central islip, new York, issued a federal arrest warrant for Román-Bardales following his indictment on the aforementioned charges.
US Returns MS-13 Ringleader to El Salvador
In related news, the United States deported 23 members of Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) to El Salvador, including a top leader accused of terrorism in New York, along with 238 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization of Venezuelan origin, according to elsalvadornow.org. This transfer marks the first instance of foreign inmates being sent to El Salvador under the Donald Trump administration.
Extradition of Alleged International Leader of MS-13
Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, also known as Viejo Santos, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent MS-13 drug gang, made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court following his extradition from Guatemala to the United States to face a racketeering charge connected to at least one murder, according to the Department of Justice. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ordered Rivera-luna held without bail.
MS-13 Leader “El Veterano” Apprehended: Your Questions Answered
The recent capture of Francisco Javier Román Bardales, also known as “El Veterano,” a high-ranking leader within the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, has raised many questions. This Q&A provides a thorough overview of the arrest, charges, and implications.
Who is “El Veterano” and Why was He Arrested?
Who is Francisco Javier Román Bardales?
Francisco Javier Román Bardales, alias “El Veterano,” is identified as a high-ranking leader within the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang. He is a Salvadoran national, 48 years old, was originally from Ahuachapán, El Salvador.
Why was “El Veterano” arrested?
He was apprehended in Veracruz, Mexico, and is wanted by U.S. authorities on multiple charges. He was also on the FBI’s list of top 10 most wanted fugitives, wiht the FBI offering a reward of up to $250,000 for facts leading to his arrest.
Where was “El Veterano” captured?
Francisco Javier “N” was arrested on the Teocelo-Baxtla highway in Veracruz, Mexico.
What are the Charges Against “El Veterano”?
What crimes is he accused of?
Román Bardales is wanted by U.S. authorities on charges including:
Conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists
Conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism
Conspiracy to engage in organized crime
Conspiracy to traffic in aliens
What was his role in MS-13 activities?
Authorities allege that Román-Bardales directed