Mara Salvatrucha member sentenced to 460 years in prison

The convicted person, whose identity is withheld, faced charges of aggravated extortion; similar sentences were given to 7 other members

The judicial system of The Savior sentenced a gang member Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) to comply 460 years in prison for the crime of aggravated extortionas announced by the Prosecutor’s Office.

Another member of the criminal organization received a sentence of 360 years in prison, while six more gang members were sentenced to sentences ranging from 60 and 20 years in prison.

The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) announced through his account at X (former Twitter) who obtained sentences of up to 460 years in prison for 8 MS gang members for extorting 24 victims.

«The FGR presented compelling evidence that showed how gang members demanded monthly payments of between $40 and $100 from merchantsbus owners and taxi drivers, as a condition for allowing them to operate,” he added.

He Public ministry did not specify the period during which the extortions were carried out, which affected residents of Guatajiagua, Morazán, Ciudad Barrios, Chapeltique and Moncagualocated in the east of the country.

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In July 2023, the Congress of El Salvador approved reforms requested by the president’s government Nayib Bukelewhich allow carrying out massive criminal proceedings against gang members without the need to individualize the responsibilities of the accused.

At that time, it was also approved to increase prison sentences for 45 to 60 years for gang leaders. Furthermore, more than a year earlier, Congress approved legislation to impose penalties of between 20 and 30 years in prison for membership in a criminal gang.

Before the Bukele government began a campaign against gangs in March 2022, under a state of emergency criticized by humanitarian organizationscriminal groups obtained income through extortion and drug trafficking and distribution.

Those who did not comply with payments were threatened with being killed or, in extreme situations, were homicide victims. After the Bukele government began its campaign against gangs, extortions were significantly reduced and, according to the authorities, today they have practically disappeared.