The U.S. has sanctioned Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, a leader of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, a Foreign Terrorist Organization expanding its criminal activities throughout the Western Hemisphere.
This follows his addition to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list and a $3 million reward offer for his arrest.
U.S. Cracks Down on Tren de Aragua
In a coordinated effort to disrupt organized crime, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano.
He is a senior leader of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuelan-origin terrorist group responsible for narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and violent crimes across the region.
The sanctions block all property and interests in property belonging to Mosquera Serrano within U.S. jurisdiction. Furthermore, they prohibit U.S. individuals and entities from conducting any transactions involving him.
Officials describe the move as part of a broader effort to weaken criminal organizations threatening communities throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Mosquera Serrano: A Key Figure Behind the Violence
Mosquera Serrano, born in San Vicente, Aragua, Venezuela, has played a central role in Tren de Aragua’s violent operations. His criminal record includes overseeing drug trafficking networks, orchestrating murders, and managing the financial proceeds of the organization’s activities.
According to U.S. authorities, he has also been involved in extortion schemes across Colombia and Venezuela. His actions have directly fueled TdA’s rapid expansion beyond Venezuela’s borders.
Tren de Aragua’s activities now extend into neighboring countries, with growing concerns about their presence in North America.
What the Sanctions Mean
The recent sanctions were imposed under Executive Orders 13581 and 13224, targeting both transnational criminal organizations and terrorist groups. These measures freeze Mosquera Serrano’s U.S.-linked assets and restrict his financial operations globally.
Additionally, any foreign financial institutions knowingly conducting significant transactions with him may face secondary sanctions, including restrictions on their U.S. correspondent accounts.
Such sanctions are designed to isolate criminal leaders and limit their ability to fund violent operations.
Profile of Sanctioned Leader
| Name | Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano |
|---|---|
| Aliases | “El Viejo”, “Giovanny”, “Giovanny San Vicente” |
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | San Vicente, Aragua, Venezuela |
| Nationality | Venezuela, Colombia |
| Charges | Drug trafficking, terrorism-related offenses, extortion |
| Reward Offered | Up to $3 million for information leading to arrest |
FBI Adds Mosquera Serrano to Most Wanted List
In addition to financial sanctions, the FBI has added Mosquera Serrano to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. This designation highlights his status as a significant threat to public safety and intensifies the international manhunt to bring him to justice.
The U.S. Department of State, through its Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, is offering up to $3 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
U.S. Government Actions at a Glance
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Sanctions block all U.S.-linked assets and transactions.
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FBI adds Mosquera Serrano to Ten Most Wanted list.
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$3 million reward offered for information.
U.S. Efforts to Disrupt Transnational Crime
The crackdown on Tren de Aragua reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to dismantle violent criminal organizations operating beyond national borders.
In recent months, Tren de Aragua has been formally designated as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity.
These actions align with broader security initiatives aimed at reducing the flow of illicit narcotics, combating human trafficking, and preventing organized crime from infiltrating American communities.
Officials emphasize the importance of collaboration between U.S. agencies and international partners to disrupt these networks.
What Happens Next
The ultimate goal of these sanctions is not merely to punish but to restrict Tren de Aragua’s operations and encourage the dismantling of its leadership.
Sanctions can also disrupt financial flows and limit the group’s ability to expand its influence.
U.S. authorities continue to urge anyone with credible information on Mosquera Serrano’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
In Conclusion
The U.S. has taken a significant step to weaken Tren de Aragua by sanctioning Mosquera Serrano and offering a multi-million dollar reward for his capture.
These actions underscore a firm commitment to disrupting organized crime and protecting communities across the Western Hemisphere.
Sources: US Department of the Treasury.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
