Houston, TX – Elmer Canales-Rivera, also known as “Crook de Hollywood,” a notorious figure within the ranks of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), is now in U.S. custody facing terrorism charges after being apprehended at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on November 9th. The arrest caps a multi-year, multi-agency manhunt for the high-ranking gang leader, who allegedly directed criminal activities across the United States, El Salvador, and Mexico.
Canales-Rivera, a founding member of MS-13’s ‘Twelve Apostles of the Devil’ – later rebranded as the Ranfla Nacional – is accused of orchestrating a reign of terror for decades. He and 13 other alleged leaders were initially indicted in December 2020, but remained at large until this week. The charges are severe: conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism, and narco-terrorism conspiracy.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland didn’t mince words, stating, “We allege that Elmer Canales-Rivera…bears responsibility for the gang’s efforts over decades to terrorize communities, target law enforcement, and sow violence here in the United States and abroad.” The Department of Justice views this arrest as a significant blow to MS-13’s leadership and a warning to others involved in the gang’s transnational criminal enterprise. The feds are sending a message: no one is untouchable.
The takedown was a coordinated effort involving the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of the partnership, declaring, “This arrest makes it clear that there is no hiding place for leaders of criminal syndicates that threaten our communities.” FBI Director Christopher A. Wray echoed the sentiment, highlighting the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the American public.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York described Canales-Rivera’s role within MS-13 as part of a “board of directors” directing violence and intimidation. The indictment details how the Ranfla Nacional, the Ranfla en Las Calles, and the Ranfla en Los Penales functioned as the command and control structure for the gang’s operations, spanning multiple countries. A total of 27 of the highest-ranking leaders of MS-13 are now facing charges in connection to this sweeping investigation.
Canales-Rivera is currently being transferred to the Eastern District of New York, where he will appear in federal court in Central Islip to answer to the charges. The case is ongoing, and federal authorities are promising continued pressure on MS-13 and other transnational criminal organizations. This arrest, while significant, is just one battle in a long war against the gang’s pervasive influence.
Related Federal Cases
- Angel Luis Carrasco-Rivera, Perjury, Pennsylvania 2024 · New York
- Wall Street Firms, Financial Malfeasance, New York NY, 2023 · Florida
- Christopher Ferguson, PPE Scam, New York NY, 2023 · Ohio
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Administration Fraud and Tax Evasi… · Ohio
- Cristian Medrano-Umanzor, MS-13 Gang Member, Strasburg VA, 2024 · Washington
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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