FBI agents tracked down and arrested a top leader of the notorious MS-13 gang who was wanted on charges connected to at least 11 murders. Joel Vargas-Escobar, also known as ‘Momia’ within the gang, was arrested by agents in New York. He was brought before a federal magistrate and ordered to remain in custody and is being transferred to Nevada.

Agents reported Vargas-Escobar was a top leader of a branch of MS-13 operating in Nevada and California. He was indicted in Nevada on racketeering conspiracy charges involving 11 murders. The government’s indictment of Vargas-Escobar said victims were allegedly kidnapped and taken to desert or mountainous areas where they were tortured and killed. The conspiracy charges carry a mandatory life sentence if convicted. He’s also facing firearms charges.

“The arrest of yet another violent and dangerous MS-13 leader is a major win for our FBI agents, law enforcement partners and safer American streets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

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