Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
El Salvador police arrest 77 in high-profile raids against powerful MS13 gang
Source: The Guardian
El Salvador police arrest 77 in high-profile raids against powerful MS13 gang
Police and prosecutors announced a series of raids Thursday
against alleged leaders and business associates of MS13 and
their multi-million dollar network
Nina Lakhani in Mexico City
Friday 29 July 2016 18.47 BST
A multi-million dollar network of businesses created by leaders of El Salvador’s most powerful street gang has been exposed by authorities as part of a investigation targeting the groups’ finances.
Police and prosecutors announced a series of high-profile raids on Thursday against alleged leaders and business associates of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) gang, claiming to have delivered a severe blow to the group’s financial operations.
Five MS-13 leaders – including the gang’s alleged “CEO”, who posed as an evangelical preacher – were among 77 people arrested across the country after a year-long investigation known as Operation Checkmate.
Police seized weapons, cash and vehicles during raids at motels, brothels, bars, car dealerships and bus and taxi firms – businesses they claim were created using illicit funds, mainly from extortion rackets.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
Police and prosecutors announced a series of raids Thursday
against alleged leaders and business associates of MS13 and
their multi-million dollar network
Nina Lakhani in Mexico City
Friday 29 July 2016 18.47 BST
A multi-million dollar network of businesses created by leaders of El Salvador’s most powerful street gang has been exposed by authorities as part of a investigation targeting the groups’ finances.
Police and prosecutors announced a series of high-profile raids on Thursday against alleged leaders and business associates of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) gang, claiming to have delivered a severe blow to the group’s financial operations.
Five MS-13 leaders – including the gang’s alleged “CEO”, who posed as an evangelical preacher – were among 77 people arrested across the country after a year-long investigation known as Operation Checkmate.
Police seized weapons, cash and vehicles during raids at motels, brothels, bars, car dealerships and bus and taxi firms – businesses they claim were created using illicit funds, mainly from extortion rackets.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/29/el-salvador-police-arrest-77-raids-powerful-ms13-gang
LBN thread: El Salvador says a brutal gang laundered money through motels, brothels, taxis