The Trump administration escalates its war against the Venezuelan terrorist gang Tren de Aragua by quintupling the reward to $5 million for capturing a key leader who has terrorized American communities with brutal crimes, including murder, human trafficking, and drug running.
Story Highlights
- U.S. increases bounty to $5 million for Tren de Aragua leader Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano
- Trump designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization upon taking office
- Gang is accused of murder, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping, and drug trafficking across borders
- Treasury sanctions 11 more gang affiliates, including Venezuelan entertainer “Rosita”
Trump Administration Takes Decisive Action Against Gang Terror
The State Department announced Wednesday it has increased the reward for Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano to $5 million through its organized crime rewards program. Serrano holds the distinction of being the first Tren de Aragua member placed on the FBI’s most wanted list.
He faces charges for international cocaine trafficking conspiracy and supporting a foreign terrorist organization after being indicted in Texas courts in January and recharged in April.
Tren de Aragua inflicts violence. We impose consequences. We are increasing our reward offer to up to $5 million for info leading to the arrest and/or conviction of TdA leader Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano. Send tips to the @FBI at +1 281-787-9939 and help us bring this… pic.twitter.com/W3Yy7KBrWq
— US Dept of State INL (@StateINL) December 3, 2025
Presidential Leadership Designates Gang as Terrorist Organization
President Trump immediately classified Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization alongside other dangerous cartels when he assumed office in January 2025. This decisive action represents a stark contrast to previous administration policies that allowed these criminal enterprises to operate with minimal consequences.
The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro while deploying significant military assets in the Caribbean to intercept drug trafficking operations from Venezuela.
Criminal Enterprise Built on Violence and Exploitation
Tren de Aragua operates as a sophisticated criminal organization responsible for heinous crimes, including murder, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping, bribery, and racketeering. The gang originated within Venezuela’s Tocorón prison and expanded under alleged leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as “Niño Guerrero.”
Guerrero gained control over the prison facility, gold mining operations, and strategic border crossings between Venezuela and Colombia before his eventual escape from custody.
Treasury Targets Gang’s Financial Networks
The Treasury Department sanctioned eleven additional Tren de Aragua affiliates on Wednesday, including Venezuelan entertainer Jimena Romina Araya Navarro, known as “Rosita.” Treasury officials allege Rosita provided material support to the terrorist organization and assisted Guerrero’s 2012 prison escape.
Five entertainment industry figures allegedly laundered money for gang leadership, demonstrating how these criminals infiltrate legitimate businesses to fund their operations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting American citizens from these barbaric terrorist cartels.
