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Leader of a Peruvian Gang Wanted in 23 Homicides Detained in New York

Leader of a Peruvian Gang Wanted in 23 Homicides Detained in New York

An infamous Peruvian criminal and professional assassin, responsible for a staggering number of 23 murders in his native country, has been apprehended in New York after illegally entering the United States.

Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, the leader of a transnational criminal organization, and his girlfriend Michelle Sol Ivanna Ortiz Ubillus, were apprehended on Wednesday, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

They entered the U.S. on May 16 after leaving Peru without authorization. Instead of being processed for removal, they were unexpectedly released into the country by Border Patrol agents in Texas. They were given a “Notice to Appear” before an immigration judge, but the scheduled date is set years into the future.

Gianfranco, also known as Chato, is believed to be the leader of a transnational criminal organization involved in contract killing and extortion targeting construction company owners. He is wanted in connection with the murder of 23 Peruvians, earning him the nickname “Gianfranco 23.”

According to the Spanish language Peruvian news outlet, Redacción Trome, Vanna Ortiz, known for her significant social media following, is allegedly involved in the collection of extortion money, as well as the planning of crimes against rival gangs. She also has complaints against her for intentional injury, sexual harassment, and psychological violence.

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In early July, ICE received information from Peruvian authorities that the individuals who had entered the country illegally less than two months ago were wanted fugitives. After an extensive search, ICE agents finally located and apprehended them in Endicott, New York, a significant distance away from the Texas-Mexico border and New York City.

According to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Buffalo field office director Thomas Brophy, Gianfranco Torres-Navarro is considered a serious danger to our communities, and New York will not be a sanctuary for potentially harmful noncitizens.

Gianfranco served time in prison for illegal possession of weapons and was released in December 2023, according to a report by Trope. According to local news reports, an organized crime unit and Peru’s Prosecution Office have revealed shocking details about the alleged actions of an individual who is currently in prison.

They have described how this person is believed to have ordered hits from behind bars, and have identified over 20 victims, including their accomplices, a retired police officer, and a 15-year-old girl.

According to multiple local news outlets, Gianfranco and Ortiz fled Peru in March following the tragic incident at a restaurant in San Miguel where a retired police officer lost his life. The National Police of Peru reported that six members of Los Killers were arrested after a series of law enforcement raids in June.

Source: The Center Square

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