The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Yulan Andony Archaga Carías, the alleged top leader of MS-13 in Honduras and one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives.
Archaga Carías, also known as “Alexander Mendoza” or “Porky,” is accused of directing the gang’s operations and coordinating transnational criminal activities that include drug trafficking, violence and terrorism.
Why It Matters
The announcement underscores a continued federal effort to dismantle Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, a group designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization. Officials believe Archaga Carías plays a central role in the gang’s command structure, maintaining control over its international criminal activities from Honduras.
“Dismantling and ultimately eliminating MS-13 continues to be one of the FBI’s highest priorities, and we’re not stopping until that mission is complete,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. “Alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, the FBI will find Archaga Carías — a terrorist whose reign of terror at the helm of MS-13 is coming to an end.”
What To Know
The DOJ alleged that Archaga Carías is the highest-ranking MS-13 figure in Honduras in a Monday press release. He has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns. The U.S. government believes he directs MS-13’s drug trafficking and money laundering activities and uses the proceeds to fund further violence.
Archaga Carías escaped custody in Honduras in 2020. He remains at large and is believed to be coordinating activities between MS-13 cells in Central America and the U.S.
Archaga Carías is one of nine individuals currently listed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives list.
What People Are Saying
Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a statement: “This terrorist leader can no longer be allowed to live free as MS-13’s evil devastates communities in America and throughout the western hemisphere. If you can contribute information leading to his arrest – come forward now.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York, in a statement: “MS-13 remains one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world, and the recent designation of MS-13 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization underscores this reality. This Office, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate, prosecute and track down MS-13’s leadership, no matter where in the world they may be hiding.”
What Happens Next
Anyone with information about Archaga Carías is urged to contact the FBI or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The reward is part of a wider federal crackdown that includes collaboration with the State Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.
As authorities pursue Archaga Carías, federal law enforcement has vowed to continue targeting the leadership of MS-13 and diminish its ability to operate across borders.
If convicted, Archaga Carías is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years in prison.
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