NEW YORK, NY — Federal authorities on Monday unsealed two sweeping superseding indictments charging 27 individuals tied to the violent international gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and its breakaway faction Anti-Tren with racketeering, sex trafficking, drug distribution, and firearms offenses in a coordinated crackdown that spanned multiple states and countries.
According to the Department of Justice, the indictments target current and former members of TdA and its offshoot Anti-Tren for crimes that include the trafficking of young Venezuelan women into the United States and Peru for forced prostitution, distribution of a drug called “tusi,” and armed robberies.
“Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
The TdA Indictment names six individuals accused of furthering the organization’s violent objectives across New York City, while the Anti-Tren Indictment charges 19 alleged members of the splinter group, along with two of their associates. Of the 27 defendants, 21 are in federal custody following recent operations in New York and elsewhere, with five arrested between Sunday night and Monday.
Investigators allege the gang’s criminal reach extended into the Bronx and Queens, operating a transnational enterprise that smuggled women under false pretenses and then forced them into sex work under threat of death, beating, and kidnapping. Victims, referred to as “multadas,” were allegedly required to work off debts to the gang.
Allegations detail organized criminal network
The indictments also allege that TdA members trafficked “tusi,” a pink drug mixture containing ketamine, carried out armed robberies, and enforced gang compliance through murder and assault. Prosecutors said the group routinely targeted former members who associated with Anti-Tren, using violence to maintain control.
“These defendants wreaked havoc in our communities,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This isn’t just street crime—it’s organized racketeering.”
Members are also accused of protecting their criminal operations through witness intimidation and violence against perceived threats. The gang allegedly offered shelter and transport to members fleeing prosecution and used fear to ensure silence among victims and witnesses.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York stated the charges aim to dismantle the infrastructure of the gang and reaffirm law enforcement’s commitment to public safety. “These indictments make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of New York City safe,” he said.
Key Points
- 27 alleged members and associates of Tren de Aragua and Anti-Tren charged with racketeering, trafficking, and violent crimes
- Authorities allege victims were smuggled from Venezuela and forced into sex work under violent coercion
- The gang distributed “tusi” and used armed violence to control territory and intimidate witnesses
If convicted, the defendants face significant federal sentences for their alleged involvement in a broad range of violent and organized criminal acts. Proceedings are expected to unfold in the Southern District of New York.
Authorities say the charges strike at the core of TdA’s U.S.-based operations and mark the first time the gang has been named in a federal indictment as a criminal enterprise.
A global crime ring meets its match in a multistate federal takedown.
