Unraveling the Aragua Train: A Transnational Criminal Network

On the same day Salomón Fernández Torres, leader of the Aragua Train in Bogotá, was imprisoned, Colombian and Chilean prosecutors met in Bogotá.

This first in-person meeting aimed to tackle the powerful transnational criminal organization.

The Aragua Train, originating in Venezuela, is entrenched in Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and the United States.

Despite its reach, international cooperation has lagged. Recent arrests, such as Fernández’s, signal a potential shift. The Venezuelan government’s stance has hindered investigations.

Three months ago, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil dismissed the Aragua Train as “media fiction,” a claim Chile’s government called “an insult.”

After Colombia arrested Larry Álvarez Núñez, or “Larry Changa,” a co-founder wanted in Chile, Interior Minister Carolina Tohá praised Colombia’s cooperation and criticized Venezuela’s inaction.

Additionally, Larry Changa’s capture on July 1 in Circasia, Quindío, marked a significant breakthrough.

The Chilean authorities, who had documented his criminal activities since 2022, identified him as the mastermind behind the Aragua Train in Chile.

On July 5, Chile formally requested his extradition. They arrested Salomón Fernández Torres, or “Salomón,” on June 27 in Aguazul, Casanare.

Accused of homicide, conspiracy, and drug trafficking, Fernández was seen as the top leader in Bogotá. He had been posing as a businessman in northern Bogotá since 2018.

His arrest dealt a significant blow to the gang’s operations in the capital. Intelligence suggests they are now expanding into Medellín and Cartagena.

Investigation into Transnational Criminal Organization

The investigation continues, with authorities working to uncover financial and operational links between leaders like Changa and Fernández.

Chile’s efforts to dismantle the organization began with investigating migrant trafficking and drug crimes along the Bolivian border.

However, this led to the identification of key figures like Carlos González Vaca and Hernán Landaeta Garlotti.

The Venezuelan judicial system remains the only one not contributing to the investigation. Reports indicate the Aragua Train has reached the United States, particularly Florida and New York.

This gang now confronts justice systems across the continent, considered one of the most powerful transnational criminal organizations.

In addition, the Aragua Train’s expansion highlights the need for stronger international collaboration.

This network’s reach and sophistication demand coordinated efforts to dismantle its operations and mitigate its impact.

In short, the recent captures represent a step towards greater transnational cooperation in combating organized crime.