MS-13’s ‘Piranha’ and Five Others Indicted for Racketeering

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a major blow to the notorious MS-13 gang, six alleged members have been indicted on racketeering charges, including two for murder in aid of racketeering.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on April 16, 2024, and was unsealed this morning. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King, along with law enforcement officials, announced the charges against Fredy Mauricio Buruca, aka “Piranha,” 26, of Salisbury, N.C.; Santos Guillermo Ramirez Mancia, aka “Azazel,” 32, of Annapolis, Maryland; Juan Francisco Sanchez Estrada, aka “Nene,” 30, of Salisbury; Luis Fernando Guardardo Moreno, aka “Fantasma,” 26, of El Salvador; Christian Alejandro Garcia Santa Cruz, aka “Crimen,” 31, of Annapolis; and Aderly Jose Veliz-Ronquillo, aka “Chanchin,” 30, of Annapolis.

The indictment alleges that the defendants were leaders and members of the MS-13 sub-unit, known as the Hollywood Locos Salvadorians Clique (the HLS clique), which operated in and around the Western District of North Carolina and other areas in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.

According to allegations, the defendants were engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity that consisted of multiple acts and threats involving murder, kidnapping, extortion, robbery, and drug trafficking. The investigation revealed that these criminal acts were allegedly sanctioned by MS-13 leadership and were committed to promote a climate of fear and intimidation within the gang.

U.S. Attorney King stated, “Street gangs threaten the well-being of our communities and spread violence, fear, and intimidation. Our coordinated law enforcement efforts prioritize the investigation and prosecution of dangerous gangs to dismantle their operations and disrupt their criminal activities.”

Acting Special Agent in Charge Kyle Burns added, “Finding, arresting and prosecuting those involved in gang activity greatly increases public safety and makes a dramatic impact in our communities.”

The indictment alleges that on November 6, 2022, Santa Cruz and Veliz-Ronquillo committed murder in aid of racketeering against a victim identified as W.G.M., for the purpose of gaining entrance to and maintaining and increasing position in the MS-13 enterprise. Ramirez Mancia is also charged with accessory after the fact to murder in aid of racketeering.

The investigation into the gang’s criminal activity was a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges carry significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy and up to life in prison for murder in aid of racketeering.

As the investigation continues, the public is urged to come forward with any information regarding the MS-13 gang’s activities in the Western District of North Carolina.