MS-13 Fugitive Captured in Belize and Handed Over to Regional Authorities

A dangerous Salvadoran national wanted for serious crimes has been captured in Belize and transferred to international authorities. Law enforcement agencies confirm that the individual, identified as Julio “Y”, a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, was located in Belize through coordinated regional intelligence efforts.  According to reports from Guatemala’s Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración and INTERPOL officers stationed in Melchor de Mencos, Petén, the arrest was made possible through strategic criminal investigations and close cooperation with Belizean immigration and security authorities.  Julio “Y” is wanted in El Salvador for homicide as well as possession, carrying, and use of firearms.   Salvadoran authorities are seeking to enforce sentences of 15 years, 5 years, and 4 years, respectively, for the offenses.  Following his detention in Belize, the suspect was handed over at the Guatemala–Belize border to INTERPOL Guatemala, who will oversee his return to El Salvador to face the outstanding charges.  Regional security agencies say the successful capture underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in confronting organized crime and preventing high-risk individuals from evading justice.