A reputed Peruvian gang leader, Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, suspected in 23 killings in his home country, was apprehended by US immigration authorities in New York on Wednesday. Torres-Navarro, the alleged leader of 'Los Killers,' is wanted for multiple murders in Peru and is currently being held at a federal detention facility near Buffalo pending an immigration hearing.
The 38-year-old Torres-Navarro illegally entered the US at the Texas-Mexico border in May and was arrested the same day. US authorities acted on information received on July 8 regarding his wanted status in Peru. Thomas Brophy, the director of enforcement removal operations for ICE’s Buffalo field office, emphasized the threat Torres-Navarro poses to communities and stated that New York will not be a sanctuary for dangerous noncitizens.
Additionally, Torres-Navarro's girlfriend, Mishelle Sol Ivanna Ortíz Ubillús, described as his right hand by Peruvian authorities, was also arrested and is currently held at a processing center in Pennsylvania.
Peru's justice system confirmed the international capture order for Torres-Navarro and Ortíz Ubillús on July 3. According to Col. Franco Moreno of Peru’s High Complexity Crime Investigations Division, Torres-Navarro is accused of leading a criminal organization known as 'Los Killers de Ventanilla y Callao,' which engaged in violent activities to maintain control over its extortion operations targeting construction companies.
Peruvian media reported that Torres-Navarro fled Peru following a series of violent incidents, including the killing of a retired police officer and a municipal employee. The gang leader, also known as 'Gianfranco 23,' has a history of evading accountability for his alleged crimes, including a previous conviction for illegal weapons possession.
Authorities in Peru have been actively pursuing members of 'Los Killers,' with six reputed members arrested in June on charges of homicide, contract killing, and extortion. Torres-Navarro's girlfriend, Ortiz Ubillús, who plays a significant role in the criminal organization, has been described as his romantic partner, lieutenant, and cashier by Peruvian authorities.
Ortiz Ubillús, who boasts a substantial following on TikTok, has showcased the couple's extravagant lifestyle, featuring designer clothing, luxury vacations, and visits to gun ranges. The arrest of Torres-Navarro and his associate marks a significant development in the efforts to dismantle the violent criminal network operating in Peru and beyond.
