By Sonia Osorio
Miami Herald
WASHINGTON — An alleged leader of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua last week was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. All of his assets in the United States or under the control of U.S. citizens have been blocked.
The measure targets Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano , 37, who is accused of overseeing drug trafficking operations and murders in Colombia on behalf of the Venezuelan gang known as TdA. Authorities say the group has unleashed a campaign of terror across the Western Hemisphere, “including in the U.S. and continues to expand.”
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The U.S. has designated TdA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The group is involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation of women and children and money laundering.
“TdA remains focused on terrorizing our communities and facilitating the flow of illicit narcotics into our country, relying on key leaders like Mosquera Serrano to fund and oversee its violent operations,” said Scott Bessent , Secretary of the Treasury .
Bessent said the sanction means all of Mosquera Serrano’s properties and interests in property in the U.S. , or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, “are blocked and must be reported” to the U.S. office of foreign assets.
Most Wanted list
The FBI also announced Tuesday that Mosquera Serrano has been added to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
“If you have information, contact the FBI via WhatsApp, Telegram or text message at 1-281-787-9939. If you are in the U. S., you can also contact your local FBI field office,” authorities said.
Up to $3 Million reward
The State Department announced that, as part of a joint initiative with Colombia’s National Police, it is offering a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Mosquera Serrano, also known as “Jhovanni San Vicente” or “El Viejo.”
In June 2024 , the U.S. government announced three rewards totaling up to $12 million targeting TdA leaders, including Mosquera Serrano .
“The State Department, through the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, administered by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs , is offering a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to Mosquera Serrano’s arrest or conviction,” the agency announced.
Authorities say Mosquera Serrano oversaw TdA finances in San Vicente, Venezuela , and was one of the trusted associates of Héctor Guerrero Flores , another alleged leader of the criminal organization.
Charged in U.S. court
On June 24 , the U.S. Department of Justice filed criminal charges against Mosquera Serrano for:
▪ Conspiracy to distribute cocaine internationally
▪ Conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization
▪ Providing and attempting to provide material support to such an organization
The legal action follows the U.S. designation of TdA as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
“The United States is committed to safeguarding the American people by using every available tool to eliminate the violent crime threat posed by TdA across the hemisphere,” the State Department said.
Tren de Aragua originated in the overcrowded Tocorón prison in the Aragua state of Venezuela and now operates as a transnational criminal syndicate, coordinating multiple smaller gangs that specialize in various crimes.
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