Wanted Peruvian gang leader Gianfranco Torres-Navarro has been arrested in the US, officials say.
Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, a notorious Peruvian gang leader, has been arrested in New York state after illegally entering the United States, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Torres-Navarro, 38, is believed to be the leader of the Los Killers gang and is on Peru’s most-wanted list.
Torres-Navarro, also known as “Gianfranco 23” due to the number of his alleged victims, was initially detained on 16 May after crossing the Texas-Mexico border illegally. At the time, he was served a notice to appear for immigration proceedings. However, it wasn’t until two months later that authorities were alerted to his criminal status in Peru, prompting his arrest during a “targeted enforcement action” in the town of Endicott, New York.
“Gianfranco Torres-Navarro poses a significant threat to our communities,” said Thomas Brophy, a senior state immigration official. “We won’t allow New York to be a safe haven for dangerous non-citizens.”
Torres-Navarro is accused of fleeing Peru after allegedly murdering a retired police officer. He is currently being held at a federal detention facility as he awaits immigration proceedings. The case has drawn attention due to Torres-Navarro’s reputation and the severity of his alleged crimes in Peru.
Melissa Enoch