A notorious South American crime boss, Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, wanted in connection with at least 23 killings in Peru, was apprehended in New York this week. Torres-Navarro, 38, led the gang known as 'Los Killers de Ventanilla y Callao,' which engaged in violent activities to extort construction companies in a region along Peru's Pacific coast.
Accompanying Torres-Navarro was his girlfriend, Mishelle Sol Ivanna Ortíz Ubillús, described as his romantic partner, lieutenant, and cashier. The couple had fled Peru after being suspected of a fatal attack on a retired police officer and a municipal employee.
Torres-Navarro illegally entered the U.S. in May near Roma, Texas, but was released by immigration authorities with a notice to appear for proceedings. It wasn't until July that Peruvian authorities requested their capture, leading to their arrest in New York.
Peruvian authorities have long pursued Torres-Navarro, who had previously been sentenced to prison for illegal weapons possession. His gang's violence escalated, resulting in multiple arrests of alleged members for homicide, contract killing, and extortion.
Currently, Torres-Navarro is detained in New York pending an immigration hearing, while Ortíz Ubillús is held in Pennsylvania. They face potential deportation to Peru unless charged in the U.S.
The case highlights the challenges of international crime enforcement and immigration control, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to combat transnational criminal activities.
