Colombian authorities have captured an alleged senior leader of the powerful Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua in Bogotá, dealing another major blow to one of Latin America’s most notorious transnational gangs.

Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto, known by the aliases “Nairobi,” “Páez” and “Luisito,” was arrested on August 27 in the Fontibón district of Bogotá.

Colombian authorities identify Pérez Nieto as a principal leader of Tren de Aragua’s operations in Peru and allege he played an important role in coordinating criminal activity across several countries.

He is also wanted by authorities in the United States.

International Operation Leads to Arrest

The arrest was the result of a coordinated international investigation involving Colombia’s National Police, Peru’s National Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Peruvian authorities said intelligence sharing and special investigative techniques allowed authorities to locate and arrest Pérez Nieto in the Colombian capital.

Colombian reporting says investigators had been working for approximately seven months to locate him.

The operation demonstrates the increasingly international effort to dismantle Tren de Aragua, whose networks have expanded far beyond the Venezuelan prison where the organization originated.

What Is “Nairobi” Accused Of?

Authorities allege Pérez Nieto helped coordinate an extensive network involved in crimes including extortion, international arms trafficking, drug trafficking and targeted killings.

Colombian police also link him to alleged kidnappings and human trafficking.

Investigators say his operations stretched across multiple countries, with alleged trafficking networks reaching Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador and the United States.

Authorities also accuse him of coordinating shipments of cocaine, ketamine and other drugs toward North America.

Colombia’s government described Pérez Nieto as a trusted associate of Tren de Aragua’s leadership and an important figure in the organization’s operations in Peru.

The allegations against Pérez Nieto have not been proven in court.

United States Seeking His Extradition

The United States is now expected to play an important role in what happens next.

Peruvian authorities say Pérez Nieto is subject to an international arrest order for extradition to the United States.

Colombian reporting says the U.S. case involves alleged offences including organized criminal conspiracy, terrorism, money laundering and drug trafficking.

Authorities in Colombia and Peru are now coordinating the next steps following his arrest.

Tren de Aragua Became an International Criminal Network

Tren de Aragua originated inside Venezuela’s notorious Tocorón prison but eventually expanded into a transnational organization with cells operating throughout Latin America.

Authorities across the region have connected alleged members of the organization to extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking and violent territorial disputes.

Its expansion has led governments across the Americas to increase cooperation against the organization.

The United States designated Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2025, dramatically increasing the legal and political pressure surrounding the group.

Colombia Sends a Message to Transnational Gangs

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the arrest personally, describing it as a significant blow against Tren de Aragua.

His government says Colombia will not allow the country to become a refuge for leaders of international criminal organizations.

The capture also comes as Colombia increases security cooperation with the United States and neighbouring Latin American countries against drug-trafficking organizations and transnational gangs.

For Tren de Aragua, the arrest represents the loss of another alleged senior operator.

For authorities across the region, however, the bigger story is the cooperation behind the operation:

Colombia, Peru and the United States worked together to locate one alleged gang leader whose criminal network reportedly stretched across much of the Americas.