US immigration authorities apprehended Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, a reputed Peruvian gang leader linked to 23 murders in Peru, in Endicott, New York, about 145 miles northwest of New York City. Torres-Navarro, who leads the gang “Los Killers,” was detained on Wednesday and is now at a federal detention facility near Buffalo, awaiting an immigration hearing.
The 38-year-old entered the US illegally via the Texas-Mexico border on May 16 and was arrested the same day. He received a notice to appear for immigration proceedings. On July 8, US authorities were informed of his wanted status in Peru, prompting his arrest.
Thomas Brophy, the director of enforcement removal operations for ICE’s Buffalo field office, stated that Torres-Navarro poses a significant threat to communities and emphasised that New York will not serve as a refuge for dangerous noncitizens.
BREAKING: ICE Buffalo arrested a Peruvian gang leader yesterday who is wanted for 23 murders in Peru & was caught and released at the U.S. border in May. Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, leader of “Los Killers”, was arrested by ICE in Endicott, NY, about 145 miles northwest of NYC.… pic.twitter.com/9RzfaggX29
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) August 15, 2024
Torres-Navarro’s girlfriend, Mishelle Sol Ivanna Ortíz Ubillús, described as his right hand by Peruvian officials, was also arrested. She is detained at a processing centre in Pennsylvania. Online records did not list legal representatives for either individual who could provide comments.
Peru’s justice system had ordered the international capture of Torres-Navarro and Ortíz Ubillús on July 3. Col. Franco Moreno, head of Peru’s High Complexity Crime Investigations Division, revealed that authorities tracked phone calls, geolocations, and messages from Torres-Navarro and his gang of at least 10 members. Moreno described Torres-Navarro as a highly dangerous criminal responsible for 23 murders, including the deaths of rival gang leaders and their families, to cement his leadership.
Torres-Navarro leads “Los Killers de Ventanilla y Callao,” a criminal group known for using violence to extort construction companies. He allegedly fled Peru after the March killing of retired police officer Cesar Quegua Herrera and the shooting of a municipal employee at a San Miguel restaurant.
In June, six members of “Los Killers,” formed in 2022 along the Pacific coast near Peru’s main port, were arrested in raids and charged with homicide, contract killing, and extortion, according to the National Police of Peru.
Previously, Torres-Navarro was a member of the Los Malditos de Angamos gang and is also known as “Gianfranco 23,” referencing the 23 people he allegedly killed. He evaded multiple attempts to hold him accountable. In 2019, he was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison for illegal weapons possession but remained free until 2021 when he was arrested near Lima. After an acquittal, he was released last December, and “Los Killers” intensified their violent activities shortly thereafter.
Ortíz Ubillús, active in “Los Killers,” is described as Torres-Navarro’s partner, lieutenant, and cashier. She also has a notable presence on TikTok, flaunting a lavish lifestyle with designer clothes, resort vacations, and shooting practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Gianfranco Torres-Navarro?
Gianfranco Torres-Navarro is a reputed Peruvian gang leader suspected of 23 killings and the leader of “Los Killers.”
Where was Gianfranco Torres-Navarro arrested?
He was arrested in Endicott, New York, by US immigration authorities.
Why did US authorities arrest Torres-Navarro?
US authorities arrested him after receiving information that he was wanted in Peru for multiple murders.
Who is Mishelle Sol Ivanna Ortíz Ubillús?
She is Torres-Navarro’s girlfriend and described as his right hand by Peruvian authorities.
What charges is Torres-Navarro facing in Peru?
He is wanted for 23 murders, extortion, and leading the criminal organization “Los Killers.”
